Press Release

The Riviera Association

The Himariote Community Association

The Association “The Intelectuals of Himara

Tirana, April 11, 2009

The associations “Riviera”,“Himariote Community”, and The Intelectuals of Himara” with their branches inTirana, Himara, Athens and Washington D.C. express their concern about the violations done in their properties in the area of Ionian Riviera.

The associations have shown several times by facts that state institutions and especially the local Commission for Property’ s Restitution and Compensation (CPRC) have“permitted” that different individuals to take over the properties inherited bythe lawful owners of the Ionian Riviera. It’s strange to notice that in asingle day (May 29, 2006) three consecutive decisions of local CPRC of Vlora, respectively nr. 133, 134, 135, restituted to one single person, respectively 5.5; 2 and 2 hectares.

By decision nr. 175 of June 21, 2006, to the same person isrestituted an area of 33.3 hectares. A different decision of the same CPRC on April 20, 2006, restituted 4 hectares to another person from Dhërmi, through a “gjyq fakti” that deserves to be investigated.

These factsare the peak of iceberg of a big corruption with the deeds in the Ionian Riviera. The last data of World Economic Forum for the Travel and Turist Competitiveness Index shows clearly and dramatically that Albania is ranked in the 126 placeout of 136 countries of the world with regard to the respect of ownershipr ights. Our associations are deeply concerned about the impact of thissituation for the future of the development of the area.

TheAlbanian Government still doesn’t seems to find the power to take the distancesfrom the shadows of the infamous law 7501, that is chasing back as Macdaff ghost,the solution of this fundamental issue for the prosperity of the area. Ourassociations congratulate the government for the rejection of the decision ofthe government 111, decision that allowed the use of an area of more than 10hectares by illegitimate usurpers.

But we would wished that the Government andall the political forces to take the courage to see the reality and take thenecessary actions for giving back the property to the lawful owners. By doingthis, they will contribute positively to the long-term and sustainabledevelopment of Albanian and especially to the Ionian Riviera.

Ourassociations are deeply concerned by the strange attitude of the OECD, thatstill ‘can not find time” to meet our representatives. OECD, very strangely,insists in the first registration of properties under the law 7501!!! While thepopulation of the Ionian Riviera, for 18 consecutive years, have expressedclearly, without any hesitation and by overwhelming majority, for the solutionof this issue through the restitution of properties to the lawful owners.

Is of concern that still theexpropriation for the construction of the national road are not yetcompensated, while the construction firms are continuing their work. This can arisenegative conflicts as has already has happened in other areas of Albania. Our associations are collaboratingwith the community and the local government and have already finished the listsof all lawful owners, aiming to begin the process of restitution and resolvingthis major concern. The Himariote community is committed to the last sacrifice.