Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on the decision by the government of Albania to cede plots of land belonging to members of the Greek National Minority

We express our deep concern regarding the recent decision by the ministerial council of Albania to arbitrarily cede plots of land to the Ministry of Tourism, for tourism development purposes, that include private property belonging to members of the Greek National Minority.

Such decision is contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights as well as to Albanian court rulings.

Both the decision and the relevant proposed bill of law amount to a flagrant violation of human rights, including the rights of ownership of the Greek indigenous national minority in Albania. Such actions are not consistent with the declared European aspirations of Albania and are contrary to its relevant obligations.

We call upon the government of Albania to rescind this decision and reconsider the law, ensuring that ownership deeds be immediately granted to all lawful owners without exception.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to follow the case while reiterating its commitment to building relations of trust and cooperation with our neighbour Albania.