Hahn says there is no evidence of minority violations in Himara

A few days after the Greek Foreign Ministry's harsh reaction, the European Commission has sought to take a stand on the issue. Greek Eurodeput Sofia Sakorafa has been addressed with a letter to Commissioner Hahn to take a stance on whether Albania's actions are in line with European standards for dealing with minorities or pre-accession criteria required to be met.

In her question Mrs. Sakorafa notes that rule of law and protection of minority rights, which is significantly linked to the protection of minority property, is at the centre of European policy for enlargement and is a fundamental criterion before Albania begins accession negotiations.

In response to these questions Commissioner Hahn says there is no evidence of a deliberate violation of the property rights of Albanian citizens belonging to the Greek national minority, reports “Day”.

However, Commissioner Hahn has recalled the Commission's findings on inequalities in the implementation of property rights in Albania and procedures for registering real estate, returns and compensation properties that Albanian authorities need to meet.

In her response the Greek Foreign Ministry stressed that Albania's European path is passed by respect for minority rights and that Tirana, according to it, is not interested in EU integration.