Tension over Beleri apparent at funeral

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Vassilis Nedos

Kathimerini

03.01.2024 

  

The difficulties that lie ahead in finding an acceptable solution to the case of Fredi Beleri, the jailed ethnic-Greek mayor of Himare, were reflected at the funeral of his grandmother, which took place on New Year’s Eve in the southern Albanian town, under tight security, with the presence of a total of almost 30 armed police officers. 

The palpable tension in the cemetery and the very limited time that Beleri was allowed to be present in his hometown did not suggest a police operation to guard someone accused of bribery, but rather of someone serving hard time.

If anything, the behavior of the Albanian police indicated an effort at sending a signal that the Tirana government will not make any concessions in the case of Beleri, who is accused of vote bribery to the tune of 340 euros.

The politicization of his case by the government of Edi Rama was also seen as an affront to the Greek ethnic minority, which perceived the stance of the police as disrespectful to its customs and traditions. 

As for the broader issue concerning the Beleri case and Albania’s EU accession perspective which Athens is threatening to impede, the funeral in Himare dealt a huge blow to the Albanian government’s case, as the images were also made available to all those who are pressuring Greece not to pursue the issue.

Beleris’ lawyers and family members appealed to the authorities requesting a 48-hour leave of absence. Although from the outset prison authorities were oriented towards a six-hour leave, it was never granted.

Beleri was led in front of his grandmother’s grave surrounded by police officers. When at some point some of the mourners shouted his name, Beleri was quickly led back to the vehicle to return to the prison. 

The images of Albanian police officers trampling in their haste over graves sparked further tension in a very confined area, where a total of over 400 people were gathered.

The USA gives Albania two Black Hawk helicopters, while Italy and Greece will also control the sea

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Two American Black Hawk helicopters will be added to the arsenal of the Armed Forces later this month.

But the control of maritime spaces will not be left behind. Italy and Greece are expected to launch patrolling missions in the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, just as they control Albania's airspace, from NATO.

The Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi states that the acquisition of two helicopters from the USA, "is a great investment and an important step that will give us the power and commitment needed to fulfill tactical missions and emergency operations with more efficiency and safety .”

"This long-awaited news at the beginning of this year, in cooperation with our partner and strategic ally the USA, is a clear sign that our country is investing in its strength and security, making Albania a safer country and prepared for future challenges ", Peleshi emphasizes. Gazeta Sot

Albania has deficiencies in the management of air and sea spaces, to intervene in complicated situations, revolts or cross-border clashes, regardless of being a member of NATO. In this case, the possibilities are being studied that even from the sea, the Allied Forces of NATO, will take the responsibility of the Albanian coasts.

According to diplomatic sources, talks are being held on the protection and management of the maritime border between the two allies that also protect Albania's airspace, Italy and Greece.

Italy is increasing its demands towards Albania to guarantee the continuation of the concentration of African refugees in the north of Albania in the Adriatic Sea, while the possibility of the location, supply and anchoring of naval units of the rapid reaction force is being studied even in case of conflict, patrolling and monitoring the entire Adriatic coast from Shengjin to the Gulf of Vlore. According to the Italian press, the lack of infrastructure of ports or navies is being discussed by both Italian - Albanian sides, to solve the problem. Il Sole 24

But in the same wave of interest from NATO, the Ionian coast of Albania also appears, where it seems that Greece will manage the maritime border, from Cape Karaburuni to Cape Stillo in the South, say the same diplomatic sources. The Otranto Channel is an enviable strait for Russian warships and NATO must be present and vigilant, especially in the border areas where Albanian maritime waters are located, and especially in the Ionian Sea, the Greek fleet will carry out monitoring and intervention missions.

How long will Himara be controlled by the authorities, that the people don't like?

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Stavri Marko 

Freelance Journalist

Hassani: "The Albanian government does not control Himara"

What if an incident was accompanied by violence and not just hatred between the Albanian authorities and the Greek residents of Himara?

An incident with a death in Himarra would cause the intervention of the Greek army from the air in record time. The NATO Crisis Management Team, as long as the Greek intervention from the air is notified, would neutralize the consequences of a larger ethnic conflict, causing the withdrawal of the Albanian police forces.

In the crisis management practices between NATO, the Greek and Italian forces protecting Albania's airspace, such a case entitles them to neutralization operations and a quick reaction, before the consequences escalate into a conflict. for emergency interventions both by air and by sea.

The case of Aristtotel Guma happened in 2010, he was killed by a group of young Albanians. On the anniversary of the assassination, a year later, Greece added the presence of rapid reaction troops through the frigate Adria, which was in the Ionian Sea near Heimara.

But the case with Beleris is something more complicated. We have a rise of feelings and emotions on both sides, the Albanian authorities on the one hand and the Greek inhabitants of Himara on the other, or rather a mutual hatred has been cultivated. Beller's detention could trigger a regional crisis with ramifications for Albania, as the leader represents strong feelings in the community.

Recently there has been a conflict at the highest levels of the Prime Ministership between Albania and Greece over who will control Himara, while the President-elect is in prison. We even have a recent statement from the Albanian Foreign Minister, Igli Hassani, who said: "The Albanian government does not control Himara." This phrase in diplomatic language opens up big confrontations, explanations and results, while things on the ground become more volatile and worrying. The people must manage one of the most profitable municipalities in the country, but also control their own territory.

Greece's veto in the EU against Albania on the Beleri-Himara issue, can aggravate different situations, where conflicts can bring rebellions and repercussions between Greece and Albania, while Tirana does not give any solution for the handover of the Municipality of Himara and of a series involved in the violation of freedoms and human rights, the consequences of which can be transferred to the return of the territory of Himara, to its proud and historical times.