The Greek Foreign Ministry is following with great concern developments in neighbouring Albania, after 19 Greek families in the town of Himara received notices to evacuate their homes within five days as they’ve been marked for demolition.
“It is unacceptable that Mayor Gorοs, while executing a government policy, put his signature on notices for imminent demolition of residences, which were then handed to the owners on the very day of our National Day.
“The Albanian authorities must proceed immediately, on one hand, to the cancellation of the demolition order and, on the other hand, to meaningful consultations with the owners concerning Himara’s redevelopment plans.
“The protection of property rights, and in particular of minority rights, is an integral part of the five conditions set by the European Union in order to start negotiations for the accession of Albania to the EU. Therefore, if Albania sincerely wishes to join the European Union, it should demonstrate in practice that it functions according to the principles of the rule of law, protecting the rights of all its residents regardless of their nationality and origin, against abuses and illegal acts,” said a statement from the Ministry.
According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, the Greek Embassy in Albania is keeping a close watch on the developments on the ground, ready to support the local Greek minority and has raised the issue with the relevant Albanian authorities, international organisations and representatives of the international community at the highest levels.
