The relations between Greece and Albania have taken a turn for the worse, after 19 families of the Greek minority in Chimarra were informed on the 28th of October that they have five days to vacate their homes, which are scheduled for demolition.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an angered statement on Sunday calling Albanian authorities to cancel the demolition immediately and enter meaningful talks with the land owners regarding the redevelopment plans for Chimarra.
In its statement the Ministry underlines that protection of minority rights (including property) is one of five conditions set by the European Union for membership negotiations to begin. As such, Albanian authorities must demonstrate in practice that they may operate as a state of justice, by protecting the rights of all residents, irrespective of nationality and origin.
