Greece's 'Führer' wants Istanbul back

ISTANBUL

Ultra-right party Chryssi Avghi (Golden Dawn) leader Nikos Mihaloliakos. EPA Photo.

The leader of Greece's extreme right wing Golden Dawn Party, Nikos Mihaloliakos, has said during an interview that Istanbul could be taken back in the future, private broadcaster NTV reported today on its website.

"Is it realistic to ask for Istanbul, where 15 millions Turks live, while there are only 3,000 Rum [Anatolian Greek]?" Greece's daily Proto Thema asked Mihaloliakos following his words.

"Jewish people founded a state on their ancient land in 1948 after centuries had passed." Mihaloliakos answered."I am not saying that we have to fight with Turks by weapons. However, we should not forget that Hellenism existed in Anatolia, Pontus and Thrace for centuries."

"Our hearts are with the Queen City [Istanbul]. Hooray Konstantinos Palaiologos!" he said. Mihaloliakos had previously attended an event related to the conquest of Istanbul.

Mihaloliakos is nicknamed "Führer," referring to Hitler, and he has said that this nickname does not bother him.