Just few hours before the visit of the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to Albania, (who will be in Tirana on June 6 and 7), the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement “regarding unacceptable statements from the Albanian political leadership.” It appears that this statement was a reaction to some statements made by PM Edi Rama and other political leaders during the Congress of the Party for Justice, Integration, and Unity, in regards to the war law and the Cham issue.

“Albania needs to realize that its European course depends on the faithful implementation of the European Union’s five principles, among which is respect for justice and rule of law. This presupposes that it will respect court rulings, especially when they concern war crimes, and, instead of raising non-existent issues, implement the prerequisites and its commitments with regard to protection of the rights of the indigenous Greek National Minority. The necessary political culture among neighbors presupposes seriousness, respect for the accurate facts of history, and a vision for relations that will not be impacted, of course, by the blatant distortion, deliberate or unwitting, of historical reality, but will be based on building – on strong foundations – a future that ensures substantial progress in bilateral relations and contributes to security and stability in the wider region,” the statement said.