Education Ministry accepts opening Greek minority school on Gokceada

Education Minister Nabi Avci said the Education Ministry has given permission to the Greek community to reopen a primary school on Gokceada Island on the Aegean Sea off the coast of Canakkale province. Avci also said that the school which had been opened on Gokceada in 1951 was closed in 1964 upon the will of the founder. "Now, upon an application, the Ministry accepted the demand to re-open the school in the same building. The Private Gokceada Greek Elementary School was allowed to be opened as of today," Avci added. Touching on the issue, representative of minority foundations Laki Vingas said that even if 10 students attended the school, it would be hope for the future. Chairman of Gokceada-Imbros Protection, Solidarity and Sustainable Development Association Stelyo Berber also defined the decision as a very pleasing and important development, as well as the clearest and most concrete political agreement which has been made in the last 50 years.