Meeting of Deputy FM Mr. M Varvitsiotis with representatives of Greek national minority associations of Albania

Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis briefed representatives of the nine biggest Greek national minority associations of Albania on his contacts and their results during his recent visit to Tirana.

Yesterday, Sunday, 15 March, Mr. Varvitsiotis attended an event organised jointly by the nine biggest Greek minority associations in Athens and referred to last week's contacts with Albanian government officials.

Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that in his meetings with the Albanian side, he unequivocally raised the long-standing problem of the properties of members of the Greek minority of Albania and stressed the need for their participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Albania.

Mr. Varvitsiotis also announced that two major road infrastructure projects – particularly helpful for regions with Greek minorities – have been initiated in consultation with the Albanian side.

He also pointed out the sensibility and care shown by the Greek government on issues relating to the Greek minority of Albania, through the resolution of a series of long-standing issues,such as dual citizenship and military obligations.