FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Albanian side is willing to resume the process of resolving the dispute on the demarcation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Some good gestures should be expected from the Greek side. The most important one, which also has political consequences in Albanian politics, is the recognition of social security. Greece will be under pressure from its European partners to officially end martial law. The most difficult issue for the Greek side, of course, is related to the properties of the Chams, who were expelled from Western Greece after the war.
Greece appears to be making the most of the pre-election situation in Albania, including Prime Minister Edi Rama's thesis on EU accession negotiations, to resolve some of the disputes between the two countries, starting with the cemeteries of Greek soldiers and ending with demarcation, or economic zones.
Greek media write that Tirana's progress in EU accession negotiations is seen as an opportunity to improve Greek-Albanian relations and resolve key disputes. Recently, the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama has proceeded with the adoption of implementing laws of 2017 which essentially provide for the right to self-determination for members of the Greek national minority even if they live outside the areas where this was possible.
This specific move led Athens to decide not to block the final accession chapter opened for Tirana, and both sides appear to be in permanent consultations on other important issues as well.
The case of MEP Fredi Beleris negatively affected Greek-Albanian relations and caused a stir in Tirana, as it was understood that even such a conflict with Greece could keep Albania out of the European orbit.
Amidst the tension, negotiations were conducted mainly with a focus on Brussels.
Behind the scenes, Athens was in contact with representatives of the Greek national minority throughout the consultations, for the adoption of the implementing laws, which were agreed in this way to ensure one of the most important and permanent rights of the Greek National Minority. The negotiations were conducted mainly with a focus on Brussels, with a key factor on behalf of Tirana, Mr. Edi Rama's confidential partner, Endri Fuga, while on the Greek side, officials of the Permanent Representation were involved. In essence, the texts were formulated in close cooperation between Athens and Tirana and provide for the following:
First, the role of free and individual determination is recognized, while for the first time the applicant is not required to provide registration documents to support his request. Also, acceptance within 30 days of the citizen's self-determination becomes mandatory, while various responsibilities that could create problems were removed, mainly from the different levels of self-government (municipality and region). In the texts of the original implementing laws there was a third provision for the activation of an exception and an additional verification process in case the applicant "resides in an area that does not display special cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious or traditional characteristics". To overcome the specific scope, it was expressly added that these characteristics are also assumed by non-homogeneous existences or organizations. The “extraordinary verification process” has essentially been the tool of the Albanian authorities since the time of Enver Hoxha, to deny the right to self-determination to the diaspora.
Language
In the area of language use by an ethnic minority, Greece's long-standing wish was accepted for the first time, beyond the criterion of the existence of at least 20% of the population and the case where the "minority is traditionally alive" as a condition for the right to use the language. Well-informed sources say that although the negotiations have been intense, the atmosphere has been constructive. A framework was also agreed to ensure the proper implementation of the implementing provisions by the Albanian authorities. In this regard, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and of course the Commission, which will monitor the issue within the framework of Albania's annual progress report, in the chapter of the first group, can be used.
Of course, the application will be monitored by the Greek National Minority itself with the assistance of the Greek Embassy in Tirana. The discussions were concluded on Christmas Eve and a few days later the implementing laws were approved by the Albanian Cabinet. On December 27 and 30, respectively, the laws were published in the Government Gazette and are now in force.
OUTLOOK
This good cooperation opens up opportunities for discussion on more difficult issues, such as minority property. Athens and Tirana have already agreed to assist the Albanian government in resolving the pending Greek experts from the Greek Property Registry.
Also, the Albanian side appears ready for the full implementation of the intergovernmental agreement on the functioning of military cemeteries where the dead of the Greco-Italian war of 1940-41 are buried.
At the same time, there is a willingness on the Albanian side to resume the process of resolving the dispute over the demarcation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Among the Greek national minority there is also optimism about the fact that it is now possible to vote by mail, which means that they can vote even if they work in Greece or in another country.
Some goodwill gestures should be expected from the Greek side. The most important, which also has political consequences in Albanian politics, is the recognition of social security (mainly pensions, i.e. the signing of an agreement between Athens and Tirana). Negotiations on this have already started in recent months. In addition, Greece will be under pressure from its European partners to officially end martial law. The most difficult issue for the Greek side, of course, is related to the properties of the Chams, who were expelled from Western Greece after the war.
These are properties that are under conservation and currently involve around 200 properties in different areas.
The main difficulty in dealing with this specific issue is not related to properties, but the fact that it is also linked to the redemptive visions organized by Cham organizations.
Elections in May
In any case, Mr. Rama is this year a few months before the parliamentary elections of May 11 and the European perspective is the most important argument against his opponents – weak anyway. At the same time, in Athens they know well that without the leverage of pressure offered by Albania's need to respect the European acquis, even these positive developments for the minority would not be possible. Therefore, the year 2025 presents an opportunity in Greek-Albanian relations that Greek diplomacy does not intend to leave unexploited. / Adapted Pamphlet from Kathimerini /
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