Papandreou's promises to the Muslim minority of Thrace

Prime Minister George Papandreou promised to provide solutions to the problems faced by the Muslim minority, during his Friday visit to Dimario village.

Mr. Papandreou stated that the government conducts itself based strictly on the principles of equality and egalitarianism. “Bureaucracy is a tyrant of Christians and Muslims alike”, he said, and made it quite clear that the government is fighting to ensure that there is no discrimination against minorities but also to dispel the misapprehensions of the past.

Some of the primary issues raised by Dimario residents were those relating to the education provided in minority schools. There were requests that students receive more in terms of knowledge, while Mr. Papandreou stated that the Special Pedagogical Academy (EPAD) will be introduced in Salonica’s Aristotle University by September.
Mr. Papandreou stated that there is a possibility that the oral test for learner drivers will be in the Turkish language, while the Civil Centers in the region will be enhanced by the presence of officials versed in Turkish.

Youngsters and students from Dimario complained to the Prime Minister that they have no Internet connections and cannot watch all available TV channels. Mr. Papandreou said he would instruct the relevant ministries to ensure that the area has Internet connectivity.

In terms of the vakifs, he stated that he will resolve the issue with authorities and in relation to the difficulties farmers face with the cultivation of tobacco, he stated that because it is a basma-type monoculture, it should be preserved and reinforced.

The Prime Minister arrived in Dimario two hours late due to bad weather in the region. The dense fog prevented the landing of the Super Puma helicopter that carried him from Samothrace, which eventually landed in Xanthi. Thus, Mr. Papandreou travelled to Dimario by road. The inhabitants of the village near the Greek-Bulgarian borders gave him a warm welcome, as he is the first Prime Minister that visits the area.

Girls wearing traditional costumes offered him flowers and afterwards, the Prime Minister walked the streets of the village. Outside the minority elementary school, students had been awaiting the Prime Minister for a dialogue. He asked them if they were satisfied or not and how they were doing in their coursework, while students asked him for Internet access, football and basketball fields.

The Prime Minister visited the mosque where the Imam gave him a tour, and then visited a café, where he had the opportunity to listen to residents and talk to them personally.