The reopening of the Theological School of Halki is a domestic issue of Turkey which is not connected to the country's European accession course stated Turkish minister without portfolio, Egemen Bagis, who at the same time associated the issue with the Muslim minority in Thrace. The minister, head of the Turkish negotiating team for the country's European accession process, added that if there is such a related step, the Greek government must examines the needs of the Turkish population in western Thrace with respect to their educational and religious commitments.

On the same wavelength, Turkish Prime Minister, Tayip Erdogan, speaking to NTV television channel, stated that the topic is under discussion, as long as Greece makes a step to Ankara's requests, while he also maintained that he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Karamanlis and Foreign Minister, Dora Backoyiannis.

With respect to Erdogan's statements, Ms. Backoyiannis underlined that Turkey, as a candidate country for the European Union, had committed to meet its requirements and obligations. Reciprocity and compensations on such issues are not expected in current times.