It is shameful not to have a mosque in Attica

Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou raised the issue of Muslims and their places of worship.

10.12.2010, 19:39 UPD: 12.12.2010, 16:37

"It is a disgrace that for 25 years now Muslims in Greece have not had a mosque to pray in. Andreas Papandreou promised that 25 years ago and it has not become a reality so far. That is why we are making this a reality now, since it is long overdue. It is a right and there will be a temporary place of worship “ said the Prime Minister inParliament today, replying to a question from opposition leader of LAOS Mr. Karatzaferis when he asked about “extremist muslims circles in Athens etc.”.

“It is a shame because the lack of a worship space is pushing people of other religions to use semi-legal spaces or to worship on the streets, actions that many like to label as protests, which they are not. It should be a normal activity for them to be able to pray like any other religious individuals, and this is not an issue just for immigrants but also for the minority of Thrace” said Mr. Papandreou.

In reference to the

Κλείσιμο

immigration issue, the Prime Minister informed the Parliament that the large amount of illegal immigrants

is the top priority of the government; the second is for all legal immigrants to be integrated and the third is the participation of Turkey in this effort, via all the relevant European treaties.

Mr. Papandreou said that he and Mr. Erdogan discussed the issue in their meeting and realized that this a problem that involves both countries. He continued by saying that these problems cannot be solved through racist behavior, and said he hopes that the new Mayors of Athens and Thessaloniki will resolve theissue of ghetto neighbourhoods.

10.12.2010, 19:39 UPD: 12.12.2010, 16:37

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