Concerns in Brussels for the upcoming census in Albania

Stephan Fule: "The Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently surge of nationalism"

The European Commission responded to a written question was submitted by New Democracy MP George Koumoutsakos on the assassination of Aristotle in Himara Gouma and the general upsurge of ethnic violence in Albania. The European Commission is closely monitoring developments in the case of the murder of Aristotel Gouma. The (European) Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently nationalist surge, the European Commission response to the MEP, Mr. George Koumoutsakos

"The Commission will not propose the opening of accession negotiations between Albania and the EU, if not addressed adequately by the authorities apparently surge of nationalism," he said in reply to the MEP of the Southwest, Mr. Giorgos Koumoutsakos, to the Commissioner responsible for enlargement Commissioner, Mr Stefan Fule. He pledged to incorporate the subject of ongoing manifestations of nationalism in Albania on 12 key priorities which will form and conditions for opening negotiations with Albania. "In response to Mr. Fule shows clearly that the phenomena of an emerging Albanian nationalism serious concern and should be treated promptly.

Otherwise, you should slow down the progress of Albania's European course," commented Mr. Koumoutsakos. In addition, Mr. Fule, referring to the murder of Albanian citizens of Greek origin in Himara last August, said the commission closely monitor the procedures followed by the Albanian authorities. He also stressed the importance of strict compliance with legislation on the protection of human rights including minority rights, saying that all acceding countries must meet the criteria set by the EU

On this issue, Mr. Koumoutsakos made the following statement: "The climate of prolonged political uncertainty in Albania, encouraging the qualitative and quantitative flare phenomena fanatical nationalism, the media and in society and especially among youth. The murder of a member of the Greek ethnic minority in Himara last summer, vandalism by burning wreaths submitted as a tribute to the cemetery Bobostitcha, recurrent and severe attacks in formalities by the "mainstream" press against the Albanian leader of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Anastasios, is only a few, but strong indications of an emerging fanatical nationalism. This situation is of concern not only me but many in the EU Particularly in view of the planned for the next census in Albania in April. This is a very critical issue for the presence and rights of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania. I hope to be among the priorities of the Government.