Berisha: Greece should stay in the Eurozone
21/09/2011 20:40

The Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, during an interview at the studio of the CNBC channel in USA commented about the possible impact of the Greek crisis.

Berisha initially answered to the question of how he would characterize the effects of the Greek crisis in Albania.

“There’s no doubt that the Greek and European crises do not have a positive impact on my country, because around 1 million Albanians work in Greece. However, I would guarantee that we haven’t had great negative consequences. First of all, the Greek banks in Albania are doing well, are very serious and with a good performance. The Albanians that are returning from Greece are coming together with their savings for opening new businesses. The number of businesses in my country increased with 40% in the last year. We are closely following the development of the Greek crisis near us”, Berisha declared.

Bob McKin, CNBC analyst, asked Prime Minister Berisha why most of the banks that operate in Albania come from European countries that are now assessing their shrinking capitals.

Would such a situation put the Albanian banks in difficulties, and are they ready to face this situation?

“The banks are performing well. Their mother banks have asked them to continue the activities without any limitation. I am optimistic that the banks that do not belong to the Eurozone are performing well in my country, are facing the crisis without being affected”, Berisha answered.

The Prime Minister was also asked about the return of other Albanian emigrants from Greece and Italy.

“Yeas, they are returning in Albania, and up to now have given only positive effects in two aspects: most of them are investing in small businesses, and many others are bringing a priceless expertise. Albania has no reason to be concerned for the return of the emigrants. Our economy is growing, unemployment numbers are falling. We are optimistic that we will have good possibilities for facing the crisis”, Berisha underlined.

The CNBC journalist asked the Prime Minister’s opinion if Greece should remain in the Eurozone.

“This problem is bigger than Greece. It’s a European problem. Keeping Greece in the Eurozone will avoid the domino effect. Although Euro is facing difficulties, I believe that this is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Europe”, Berisha declared.