EU special representative calls out Turkish discrimination against its Greek minority

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Whilst speaking at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore said Turkey should rectify its discriminatory policies against its Greek minority population.

“The EU deeply regrets past discriminatory policies implemented by Turkey, which resulted in the Greek Minority currently being on the verge of extinction,” Gilmore said.

“In this context, the EU reiterates the call on Turkey to protect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including property rights of persons belonging to minorities and minorities’ legal entities.”

Gilmore’s statement was made to mark the 13th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, which he said: “remains a milestone for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”

His comments come following Erdogan’s accusations at the general assembly this week that Greece is discriminating against its Muslim population and its continuation of illegal pushback is “ turning the Aegean into a cemetery for migrants.”

READ MORE: ‘No right to speak’: Greek Foreign Minister slams Erdogan’s fresh attacks on Greece

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