Greece’s Foreign Ministry has condemned a decision by Albanian authorities to confiscate property belonging to ethnic Greek families in the south of the country.
The decision by Albania’s Council of Ministers, which also involves the sale of property belonging to the Greek minority in the areas of Himara (Himare), Avlona (Vlore) and Examilia (Ksamil) due to tourism development, was signed by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In a statement, the Greek Foreign Ministry urged Tirana to cancel the decision, calling it a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“Such actions are not consistent with the declared European aspirations of Albania and are contrary to its relevant obligations,” the Ministry’s statement said.
Adding that the decision constitutes “a flagrant violation of human rights, including the property rights of the Greek native minority in Albania. Such actions are inconsistent with Albania’s declared European aspirations and are contrary to its obligations.”
According to Kathimerini, the Omonoia organisation, which is representing the Greek minority said they will do all they can to protect the rights and interests of ethnic Greeks in the region.
“Both the decision and the relevant proposed bill of law amount to a flagrant violation of human rights, including the rights of ownership of the Greek indigenous national minority in Albania. Such actions are not consistent with the declared European aspirations of Albania and are contrary to its relevant obligations,” the Greek response said.
“We call upon the government of Albania to rescind this decision and reconsider the law, ensuring that ownership deeds be immediately granted to all lawful owners without exception,” it said.
