Friendship Equality Peace (FEP) Party President Mustafa Ali Cavus made a speech at the event in which he began by celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Xanthi Turkish Union. He expressed his respect to all board members who had served in the past 90 years and wished mercy upon those who had passed away. He continued, ‘our rights arising from the Lausanne Treaty are usurped, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decided in favour of the XTU, so let’s put a polling box in front of Western Thrace Turks in Xanthi and go to a referendum as to whether the ECtHR decision’s about the XTU should be enforced? We will see the outcome together. Per capita income is not equally distributed in the region and not enough spaces are open to minority people in the public sector, which is unequal. Tolerance was brought to these lands by our ancestors, and we will continue our struggle with tolerance. As the FEP Party we believe democracy will be implemented. We will work for this. Such events are very important, being in unity and solidarity is even more important at this time. The Western Thrace Muslim Turkish Minority is the world’s most docile minority, nevertheless it is uncomfortable with being third-class citizens and I call out to the authorities to remedy this as soon as possible.’

As the FEP Party we congratulate the Xanthi Turkish Union’s 90th anniversary in peace, tranquillity and equality and wish for many 90 years. We also thank them for their kind invitation.