FLASH
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Prime Minister Edi Rama conducted an interview for the French television 'France 24', where he explained once again that the relations with Greece are strategic, and that the blockade of the neighboring country for the integration of Albania in the EU may not last long.
Asked about the issue of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, Rama said that it is a matter of justice.
According to him, that issue is no longer an issue of the Greek minority, considering the fact that both candidates in Himare were Albanians of Greek origin.
- Mr. Rama, your Albania has problems to join the European Club. Greece is blocking the letter of 27 member countries for the opening of chapters. In May of this year, the candidate for the Municipality of Himara, an Albanian of Greek origin, Fredi Beleri, who ran for the opposition, was arrested two days before the elections on suspicion of vote buying. But you are accused of preventing him from being elected mayor to keep permits under control in this developing coastal area. How do you answer?
Edi Rama: I don't want to get into this controversy. I honestly do not believe that this blockage will last, because it would not be serious. On the other hand, it is only a matter of justice. If you look at the progress report, Albania is rated really well on justice reform issues. I am very pleased because Albania is the most advanced country in the entire Balkans for these issues.
- However, in your country there is also the Greek minority, approximately 1% of the population. Do you hope to reconcile with Greece?
Edi Rama: Listen, we have strategic relations with Athens, and on the other hand, when you talk about the Greek minority, I want to specify as you said, the candidate was an Albanian of Greek origin, and his opponent in the election was also an Albanian of Greek origin. Then this cannot be an issue of the Greek minority!
We recall that the tensions between Greece and Albania faded since May, when the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who ran under the logo of "Bashkë Fitomjem", was arrested two days before the local elections, accused of buying votes.
He won the local elections in Himara, but has not been allowed to be sworn in as mayor, despite his requests in court to be allowed to be sworn in or to be given lighter security.
Athens has repeatedly called on Albania to allow Fredi Beleri to take the oath, describing him as politically and ethnically motivated. The Albanian government has said that it cannot interfere in court proceedings and the justice system must follow its own path.
While a week ago, the Greek media Kathimerini reported that Athens had refused to sign a letter asking the Commission to open the first five chapters of the negotiations.
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