TIRANA, Nov. 4 – The latest spat between Albania and Greece over Himara shows how the strategic relations between the two countries are being handled improperly, says Albert Rakipi, one of Albania’s leading foreign affairs experts.
Rakipi, who heads the Albanian Institute for International studies, says the Albanian government has made public a list of countries which it sees as strategic partners. But all relations with neighbors should be seen as strategic, particularly when it comes to Greece, a larger country and an EU member, he adds.
“However, Albania’s handling of relations with Greece, and for the sake of truth, with others too, bring to mind the arrogance and dilettantism with which Albania acted during the Cold War,” Rakipi tells Tirana Times. “One can see that certain segments of the Albanian government, some political parties and parts of the Albanian media continue to see Greece as a weak state following its deep economic crisis. This approach is wrong.”
Rakipi, a former deputy foreign minister, adds nationalist and populist rhetoric is damaging relations between Albania and Greece.
“Populism and nationalism are tied to short-term political interests, which in the case of Albania relate to next year’s national elections,” he says.
There are a number of issues to be discussed and resolved with a clear vision for the future. But more than finding solutions for issues, the politicians in both countries are more interested in the status quo, according to Rakipi, executive director at AIIS.
“For example, take the Cham issue. It is in the interest of politicians to turn this into a myth rather than have a real discussion about it. All of the debate is focused on whether the Cham issue is discussed or not during official meetings. This is not serious.”
He adds other issues of importance are also yet to be resolved.
“It is a paradox to see two NATO members that still have a ‘law of state of war’ between them, for example,” Rakipi said. “The agreement on the continental shelf maritime border is another case that shows how arrogance and populism can derail relations.”
Rakipi adds that despite the fact that the highest court has found the previous deal unconstitutional, it doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be an agreement at all. “This is another case when political leaders are not interested in solutions but in keeping the status quo going,” he says.
