TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Thursday that a proposed investment project on Sazan Island, southern Albania, was still under consideration, stressing that no decision had been made to sell, lease or grant the island under a concession agreement.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Dublin, Ireland, Rama described the project as an attractive investment proposal that was still being examined.
“The Sazan project is a very attractive one that we are trying to explore. But it is still under consideration, and everything that has been said about it and turned into an accepted global narrative is a big global lie,” Rama said.
“There is no island that has been sold, placed under concession or leased. Neither the investor nor anyone else has submitted a request to buy the island,” he added.
Rama said Sazan remained the property of the Republic of Albania and that negotiations were under way to determine the country’s stake in the proposed joint venture.
Asked about Jared Kushner, Rama said he had no working relationship with him, describing him as one of several investors who had expressed interest in Albania.
“There are ongoing discussions with the investor group, which is a large group with very good intentions,” he said.
Rama rejected reports that the island had already been transferred to Kushner, saying no business agreement had been reached despite negotiations having been under way for three years.
“The Republic of Albania is seeking to become a shareholder in this investment. That is the truth,” Rama said, adding that there was little room for the truth in international and local media coverage.
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