Greek Foreign Ministry: Demolitions in Himara aim at diverting the focus from the drug scandal

The Greek Foreign Ministry reacted on Thursday about the sudden decision of Albanian authorities to go ahead with the demolition of the homes of the Greek Ethnic Minority in Himara.

“The apparent link between organized crime and the political scene in Albania –as indicated by the recent arrest of the head of a drug trafficking ring who happens to be a relative of someone who, until recently, was a top Minister in the Rama government– raises concerns”, the ministry says.

“Equally concerning is the fact that the Albanian government continues to promote measures for the demolition of property belonging to members of the Greek National Minority, within the framework of its policy to uproot the historical presence of Hellenism in the region of Himara. Yesterday’s decision of the Albanian authorities confirms that the recently passed law on minorities is a step backwards for the main minority in Albania. There are many who interpret it as an act aimed at distracting Albanian public opinion from the major political issue that has arisen with drug trafficking. We hope this is not the case”, the Greek Foreign Ministry’s statement concludes.