ABOUT THE DECLARATION OF ALBANIAN PM SALI BERISHA FOR PROPERTIES OF ALBANIANS IN GREECE. REACTION OF STATE DEPARTAMENT

Daily Press Briefing Index
Thursday, December 4, 2008
10:36 a.m. EST

Briefer: Robert A. Wood, Deputy Spokesman......

Lambros Papantoniou:

QUESTION: On Albania. Mr. Wood, Prime Minister Sali Berisha stated that Albania and Greece are involved in negotiation “at the legal level” concerning World War II issues on properties of Albanian Nazi collaborators. It was reported, however, that the Department of State plays a role in that process. Could you please comment on your role and elaborate specifically on your involvement?

MR. WOOD: I’m not aware of any involvement in the Department of State.

QUESTION: So you take this question --

MR. WOOD: We can see if we can find anything on that.

QUESTION: Thank you.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release December 4, 2008
2008/1004

QUESTION TAKEN AT THE December 4, 2008 Daily Press Briefing

Albania: Resolution of Property Thefts by the Nazis

Question: Does the U.S. have a role in the resolution of thefts of property in Albania by the Nazis near the end, or after, World War II?

Answer: The Office of Holocaust Issues is responsible for assisting U.S. citizens with any claim resulting from Nazi activities during the 1933-45 period. No claimants have requested assistance with claims against Albania. Any U.S. citizen who