Prime Minister Edi Rama, through a post on “X”, has responded to former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, regarding the incidents that occurred on Saturday in Zvërnec.
Rama writes that the new party founded by Tsipras has contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into an issue of broader political importance.
“The point is that it is neither right nor responsible to transform an isolated incident into evidence of a violation of minority rights, property rights or the rule of law,” Rama underlines.
Further, the Prime Minister emphasizes that Albania is committed to the rule of law and the protection of property and rights of national minorities, which is not a matter of political convenience.
Regarding the Greek minority living in our country, the head of government adds that it enjoys rights and protection that are neither more nor less than those enjoyed by all Albanian citizens.
Rama’s full post:
My love
@atsipras
I hope you are doing well. Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to share my surprise at how quickly your new party has contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into an issue of wider political importance, ignoring proven facts while emphasizing half-truths, which are often the most deceptive form of lying – especially when they are filled with nationalist overtones, I must say! The unfortunate and unfortunate incident in Zvërnec did not occur during a normal property rights protest.
It occurred in a context of heightened tension fueled by widespread disinformation, accompanied by repeated attempts to obstruct the legitimate activities of reputable international private investors who operate on private land acquired from legitimate owners holding valid property titles, in full compliance with Albanian law.
Any harm to any individual, Albanian, Greek or otherwise, is regrettable. The circumstances were quickly clarified, leading to the arrest of the private security personnel responsible, the revocation of their company’s operating license, and the dismissal of the Vlora police director. What more would you have expected, Alexis, and what additional measures would you have taken as Prime Minister in these circumstances? My recollection suggests that, had our positions changed, your response would likely have been much less decisive.
But that is not the point. The point is that it is neither right nor responsible to transform an isolated incident into evidence of a violation of minority rights, property rights or the rule of law. On the contrary, to do so is unjust, irresponsible and contrary to the European values that we both claim to share.
No future election campaign can justify such behavior, especially from a young party that aspires to represent the European left of the twenty-first century. Albania’s commitment to the rule of law, the protection of property and the rights of national minorities is not a matter of political convenience. It is a constitutional obligation, a European commitment and a reality reflected in our legislation and institutions.
As I have emphasized on previous occasions, including when I responded to your concerns regarding Albania’s European path in matters involving ethnic Greeks, I fully agree that respect for the rule of law is essential. Precisely for this reason, however, the facts should be determined by the competent institutions and courts, not by political statements issued by another country and shaped by domestic political considerations.
The Greek National Minority in Albania is a treasure that I value immensely. It enjoys rights and protections that are neither more nor less than those enjoyed by all Albanian citizens, and I work every day to strengthen them, also thanks to close cooperation with the Greek government. This is why I believe you will agree that good neighborly relations are better based on facts than on assumptions. and with respect for the rule of law and the institutions of neighboring countries instead of political speculation.
Wishing you success in the upcoming elections, I sincerely hope that your new party will show that new political movements do not need to fall into the same familiar patterns of public debate, including the temptation to rally supporters around the flag through hasty conclusions about neighbors and their sovereign institutions.
Ultimately, Europe needs less reflexes from the past and more trust in facts, institutions, and good neighborly relations. All the best, my old friend.