TIRANA, Sept. 9 – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a strong message to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government on the treatment of the Greek minority in Albania, warning that our country will not have Athens’ support for opening negotiations with the European Union in October.
As Mitsotakis said, “Greece will not accept the start of accession negotiations with Albania unless I see any practical measures to remove discrimination against the Greek ethnic minority in the country.”
“The Albanian government must understand that it must change its stance. It uses unacceptable tactics against the Greek minority and should therefore be aware that there will be no Greek backing in EU accession negotiations, ” Mitsotakis said.
Greek media highlighted the issue of alleged expropriations carried out by the Socialist government led by Rama.
Recently-elected Mitsotakis’ statements were made during a press conference where he spoke about the plans of the new Greek government.
Mitsotakis, President of the New Democracy Party since 2016, was elected Greek PM during the last Greek elections.
Mitsotakis said he has dealt with the issue during contacts with European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Mark Rute, ahead of the European Council debate in October.
Greece’s approach towards Albania’s EU accession had so far been positive, with most policy makers and foreign policy representatives saying they will support the country’s EU aspirations.
