Greece has condemned Albanian authorities for their decision to confiscate property in the south of Albania belonging to ethnic Greek families.
Approved by Prime Minister Edi Rama, properties in the areas of Himara (Himare), Avlona (Vlore) and Examilia (Ksamil) have been sold off, in part motivated by tourism development.
This week, the Greek Foreign Minister issued a statement, officially condemning the decision taken by Albania’s Council of Ministers, referring to the action as a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. It also said it was a violation of previous court rulings.
“Such actions are not consistent with the declared European aspirations of Albania and are contrary to its relevant obligations,” the statement said, alluding to Albania’s ambitions to join the European Union.
The Omonoia organisation, which is representing the ethnic Greeks in the region, said that it would endeavour to protect the rights and interests of the minority by using all legal means at its disposal, reported Kathimerini.
Bilateral relations between the neighbouring countries are still tense following the killing of Konstantinos Katsifas, an ethnic Greek man, who was shot by Albanian police in October.