Greek authorities have dismissed criticism from Turkey over new rules for electing muftis in the northeastern region of Thrace, which has a large Muslim population.

According to the new rules, the election of muftis must be carried out "in full compliance with the Greek constitution and the country's international obligations."

Turkey is concerned that the new procedure for electing muftis will, in fact, deprive the Muslim minority of the full right to determine their spiritual leaders. The Greek government plays a decisive role in the appointment of muftis, while the religious leader, chosen by the majority of the 150,000 Muslim community of Thrace, is not recognized by the authorities.

According to the new document, a committee of 33 people will be formed from the Muslim population, it will include Islamic scholars and imams. Each of them will send their assessment of the candidates for the mufti to the Ministry of Education, and there they will make a final decision on the appointment, informs bbabo.net with reference to AhvalNews.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry called the new law "unacceptable" and called on Greece to "respect international law."

bbabo.Net