By Hasan Haci, Athens
Published: Sunday, May 07, 2006
zaman.com
When the Greek main opposition party, the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement Party (PASOK), announced Turkish-minority member Ms. Gulbeyaz Karahasan as the candidate for governor of the Drama-Kavala-Iskeche provinces, an enormous conflict took place in the country.
The government and the Church reacted to this choice as Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Kalantzis said, “If Karahasan says ’I’m a Greek’, there won’t be any problem.” Speaking to Cihan News Agency, Karahasan said she is not daunted by the criticisms, and defined the preference of PASOK Leader George Papandreou as a historical decision.
Ahead of the local elections, parties have begun to announce their candidates for the positions of governor and mayor.
The main opposition party PASOK announced Gulbeyaz Karahasan, 27, a member of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, as the super-governor candidate for the cities of Kavala-Drama-Iskece.
A graduate of law from Athens Law School from the Gokcepinar village of Iskece, Ms. Karahasan is working as a lawyer.
On the list along with Ms. Karahasan that Papandreu announced at a meeting of introduction in Athens, Hristoforo Korifidi was named as the governor candidate for Drama, Dimitri Paputci for Kavala, and Foti Karalidi for Iskece.
Finding herself at the center of discussions after her candidacy was announced, Karahasan evaluated the recent developments for Cihan News Agency.
Karahasan called Papandreou’s preference a “historical and democratic” decision, adding that they will all struggle to obtain the best result in Drama-Kavala-Iskece.
“This is an important preference. I will try to help minorities be represented in local administrations and make their voice heard in the capital when they face problems. I will do my best to help the region develop for everyone,” said Karahasan.
Her reply to the question “Will you be able to garner support from the minorities in Iskece,” was “I’ve received countless congratulatory and supportive messages. I have no doubt about the studies I conduct. I think I will get their support.”
Karahasan said that she will commence the election campaign beginning from next Monday (May 8), and commented on the rumors that she was assigned by the center without the permission of the local administration, saying, “It’s nothing like that; the election commission informed the center after it conducted studies.”
Preferences Reflect the Essence of PASOK
Papandreu’s decision provoked reaction from both inside and outside the party.
As PASOK officials supported Papandreu’s decision, Papandreu came under criticism from the government, the Greek Church and local organizations.
Karahasan, the main opposition leader, said the elections reflect the essential points of PASOK policies.
During the period of time when PASOK was in power, Papandreu said he made an effort to create a mixed atmosphere of different cultures and religions, and he worked hard to keep a fine balance of ties between the Christians and Muslims and minorities to create the notion of an open and democratic Greece.
Female members of the parliament as well as governors from PASOK lend their full support to the idea of proposing a minority member as the candidate. Maria Damanaki, a female deputy from Athens, said that all citizens, both male and female, are equal by law. “This decision is meant to show the whole of Europe the notion of an open and democratic Greece.”
Church and government apprehensive
On the other side, Salonika metropolite Anthimos reacted to the nomination of a minority member as a candidate by severely criticizing PASOK.
Responding to the church’s criticisms, PASOK official and former minister Evangelos Venizelos said: “Politics are open to public. The church should deal with its own business.“ Salonika PASOK deputy Yanis Makriotis said, “This is an appropriate preference” while Salonika mayor cited:” We are all Greeks with the same rights. I have no problem.”
Karahasan’s being a Western Thrace Turk caused reaction on the government side as well.
“If this candidate comes out and says bravely ‘I am a Greek woman’, then there will be no problems,” said Yorgos Kalancis, a Macedonia-Thrace minister.
Upon a question asking,” Would you say the criterion to be a candidate is being a Greek woman?” He responded: “No. It’s something everybody says. If she explains this, there will be no problems. If she becomes a governor, will she stand next to me on the 25 March ceremonies when Greece attained independence from the Ottoman Empire? According to my view, this issue is a national extension apart from the political view. PASOK’s choice is the choice of failure.”
This approach from the government side is seen as worrisome since it reflects the viewpoint of a European Union (EU) member country concerning the participation of people from different religions and national identities in the democratic process.
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&hn=32870
No comments:
Post a Comment