Foreign Ministry announcement on the threat of demolition of homes belonging to members of the Greek National Minority

We are following with great concern developments in Himara (Albania), where 19 families belonging to the Greek National Minority received notices according to which they have a deadline of five days to evacuate their homes, which are intended to be demolished.

It is unacceptable that Mayor Gorοs, while executing a government policy, put his signature on notices for imminent demolition of residences, which were then handed to the owners on the very day of our National Day.

The Albanian authorities must proceed immediately, on one hand, to the cancellation of the demolition order and, on the other hand, to meaningful consultations with the owners concerning Himara’s redevelopment plans.

The protection of property rights, and in particular of minority rights, is an integral part of the five conditions set by the European Union in order to start negotiations for the accession of Albania to the EU. Therefore, if Albania sincerely wishes to join the European Union, it should demonstrate in practice that it functions according to the principles of the rule of law, protecting the rights of all its residents regardless of their nationality and origin, against abuses and illegal acts.

The Greek Embassy in Albania continuously monitors the situation, always standing at the side of our Diaspora, and has raised the issue with the competent Albanian authorities, the competent international organizations and representatives of the international community at the highest levels.