PM Rama’s comments in Thessaloniki irritate Athens

Prime Minister Edi Rama’s recent meeting with Albanian emigrants in Thessaloniki has caused concerns in Athens. Greek media outlets have promptly reacted, emphasizing that Albania must respect the historical narratives and the rights of the Greek ethnic minority in reference to PM Rama’s characterization of the term “Northern Epirus” as a dead term.

Why is this important: Diplomatic sources informed the Greek newspaper Protothema that history does not expire and continues to demand full respect for the rights of the Greek ethnic minority by Albania. This issue is an explicit condition for Albania’s EU membership process as agreed unanimously by the 27 EU member states on October 11, 2024.

Context: Protothema notes that PM Rama’s comments came after some individuals, he described as “ghosts of the past,” protested his presence, using pamphlets and slogans about the issue of Northern Epirus. Rama criticized the protesters for using outdated terms that do not align with the spirit of the 21st century and described these actions as shameful. Northern Epirus refers to the south of Albania claimed by Greek nationalists as part of Greece.

The newspaper highlighted accusations from Greek extremists who protested that PM Rama is systematically violating the human rights of the recognized Greek minority in Northern Epirus, aligning these accusations with the official stance of Athens, as reported by diplomatic sources.

What did Rama say: In an interview following the meeting, Rama addressed the issue of property rights of the Greek minority in Himara, one of the most contested issues repeatedly raised by Athens. He argued that Greek journalists are misinformed and that some have deliberately spread misinformation. He clarified that there is no specific property issue in Himara but a broader property issue across Albania, which the government is actively addressing. He reassured that the government, along with the new mayor of Himara, is making progress in property registrations and dismissed the accusations in the Greek media as mere propaganda.

Rama reiterated the importance of friendship between the Albanian and Greek peoples and addressed false reports about not meeting with MEP Beleri during his visit to Tirana. He clarified that his policy is not to have meetings with MEPs and dismissed rumors to the contrary as untrue. Regarding Beleri’s legal issues, Rama emphasized that the Albanian judiciary is independent, and its decisions are not open for discussion but only for implementation.

On Greek-Albanian relations: Rama concluded by reaffirming his respect and friendship for Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, emphasizing that their friendship does not override the national interests of their respective countries. He expressed his commitment to strengthening relations with Greece, highlighting the strategic importance of their partnership.