Today's discussion on Ukraine, even in the informal Council, is extremely important. Because what is at stake in Ukraine is the European cause as a whole as regards territorial integrity and human rights.
However, I’d also like to comment on another really significant issue. The arrest of a member of the Greek National Minority, Fredi Beleri, candidate for mayor in Himare, Albania, and another Greek. I’d like to say that the arrest of a mayoral candidate two days before the polls, creates an absolute scandal if there’s no concrete evidence.
I have already informed the EU High Representative, Mr. Borrell, and the Swedish Foreign Minister in his capacity as President-in-Office, about this. The Greek government will follow this extremely closely.
I reiterate something that was also acknowledged by Albanian Prime Minister Rama. The arrest of a mayoral candidate two days before the elections, in the absence of irrefutable evidence, constitutes a scandal.
May 12, 2023