Deputy Foreign Minister I. Amanatidis' statement on the Athens Mosque

The operation of a mosque in Athens is a platform commitment from the government and from the Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, contributing not only to the enhancement of the country's international image, but also to the consolidation of the State's provisions for Greeks and other EU citizens of the Muslim faith to be able to perform their religious duties unhindered.

On 6 August 2016, on the government's initiative and resolving a pending issue, the Hellenic Parliament, by a large majority, lifted the obstacles to the construction of the Athens mosque, and, thanks to everyone's smooth cooperation, the completion of the construction work is imminent.

Today, Article 5 of the Education Ministry's bill regulates issues bearing on the framework of the mosque's operation, based on the establishment of a private law entity (supervised and funded by the Education Ministry) – that is, the "Administrating Committee of the Islamic Mosque of Athens" – with the aim of delivering the said mosque as soon as possible.

By voting in favour of the relevant article, the political forces are enhancing our country's international presence and reach, with respect for human rights.