Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras regarding reactions in Greece to the recent incident in Zvërnec.
In a lengthy post on X, Rama expressed surprise that Tsipras’ newly established party had “contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into an issue of broader political significance.”
According to Rama, the events in Zvërnec did not occur during a routine protest over property rights, but rather in an atmosphere of heightened tensions fueled by misinformation and repeated attempts to obstruct the activities of reputable international private investors operating on privately owned land acquired in accordance with Albanian law.
“I hope you are doing very well. Forgive me for bothering you, but I wanted to share my surprise at how quickly your new party has contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into an issue of broader political significance, disregarding verified facts while emphasizing half-truths, which are often the most deceptive form of falsehood—especially when infused with nationalist undertones, I must say.
The unfortunate and regrettable incident in Zvërnec did not occur during a normal protest over property rights. It took place in a context of heightened tensions fueled by widespread disinformation, accompanied by repeated efforts to obstruct the lawful activities of highly reputable international private investors operating on private land acquired from legitimate owners holding valid property titles, in full compliance with Albanian law.
Any harm suffered by any individual, whether Albanian, Greek, or otherwise, is regrettable. The circumstances were clarified swiftly, leading to the arrest of the private security personnel responsible, the revocation of their company’s operating license, and the dismissal of the Vlora Police Director.
What more would you have expected, Alexis, and what additional measures would you have taken as Prime Minister under these circumstances? My memory suggests that, had our positions been reversed, your response would likely have been far less decisive. But that is not the point.
The point is that it is neither fair nor responsible to transform an isolated incident into evidence of violations of minority rights, property rights, or the rule of law. On the contrary, doing so is unfair, irresponsible, and contrary to the European values we both claim to share.
No upcoming election campaign can justify such behavior, especially from a new party aspiring to represent the European left of the twenty-first century.
Albania’s commitment to the rule of law, the protection of property, and the rights of national minorities is not a matter of political convenience. It is a constitutional obligation, a European commitment, and a reality reflected in our legislation and institutions.
As I have emphasized on previous occasions, including when responding to your concerns regarding Albania’s European path in matters involving ethnic Greeks, I fully agree that respect for the rule of law is essential. Precisely for that reason, however, facts must be established by the competent institutions and courts, not by political statements issued from another country and shaped by domestic political considerations.
The Greek National Minority in Albania is a treasure that I value immensely. It enjoys rights and protections that are neither more nor less than those enjoyed by all Albanian citizens, and I work every day to strengthen them, also thanks to close cooperation with the Greek government.
That is why I believe you will agree that good-neighborly relations are best built on facts rather than assumptions, and on respect for the rule of law and the institutions of neighboring countries rather than political speculation.
Wishing you success in the upcoming elections, I sincerely hope that your new party will demonstrate that new political movements do not need to fall into the same familiar patterns of public debate, including the temptation to rally supporters around the flag through hasty conclusions about neighbors and their sovereign institutions.
Ultimately, Europe needs fewer reflexes from the past and more trust in facts, institutions, and good-neighborly relations.
All the best, my old friend,” Rama wrote.
The post Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Rama Responds to Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras appeared first on Euronews Albania.
