- Bridges of friendship are not built with xenophobia and revenge - What is happening in relations with Greece? BASHKIM ZENELI As an Albanian, I have followed with great attention the latest developments in Albanian-Greek relations and, without being a diplomacy specialist, I have observed with concern the statements of politicians in the neighboring country and, as a result, I will be allowed to state the following. This is neither lack of foresight nor prejudice, but it is linked to a psychology that goes beyond the bounds of normality. It is clear that for a long time Greek officials and politicians have been using inappropriate and unwarranted expressions toward our country. Recently, for several weeks, an escalation of psychological warfare against Albania and Albanians has been observed, including in the media. Rather than lengthen this with examples, I will mention the last two. On 1 July, a daily newspaper wrote that the Greek government has all the possibilities and means to force Albania to make concessions to Greece, and that Albania supposedly has continued the old anti-minority policy, etc. But the truth is that, both under the previous government and under the present one, there has been and is no concern whatsoever for the Greek minority; on the contrary, the real issue has rightly been how the Greek government treats Albanian refugees. But I have read in another daily from Athens questions that are even more unprecedented. They relate to Albania’s implementation of the embargo against Yugoslavia, Albanian-Turkish friendship, Albania’s Euro-Atlantic orientation, etc., in their demands made to the Albanian government to calm Athens. The Greek government has the right to have its own opinions, and the press to express the views it wishes, but while respecting our freedom, independence, sovereignty, and national interests, without reducing them to insulting and threatening propaganda. But from what position are questions in ultimatum style being posed to the Albanian government? They are being posed from mistaken positions. There is no serious problem between our two countries that would justify imposing such language. Ordinary Albanians and Greeks have reason to wish for friendship and good neighborliness, but this cannot be built with arrogant tones and political revenge. And what is being aimed at with the threats? To create fear? To put pressure on our institutions? To test the patience of Albanian refugees in Greece? Any administrative measure that harms them collectively is not a solution, but an injustice. Albania is a small country, but one with dignity. It cannot accept political pressure being exerted through its refugees. This is harmful to bilateral relations and serves only the circles that feed xenophobia. If there are real concerns, they are resolved through dialogue, normal diplomatic mechanisms, and mutual respect. Bridges of friendship are not built with xenophobia and revenge. (Continued on page 3)

On 10 July, the installation of new telephones will begin in the Shkodër center. The news is announced to us by the city's telephone office. According to it, 315 telephone sets will be installed for families. Forty free lines have been secured through the reconstruction of the exchange and more telephone sets will be installed. For those who have applied for a telephone, a careful selection will also be made according to the most urgent needs. The work of installing the telephones will be carried out by foreign specialists. As things stand, the supply of telephones this time is greater than the demand. It is hoped that after the current program is completed, which will continue for another period, others will also be included. (Continued on page 4)

In substance, in these days a staged work has been put on, starring the employees of radio “Deutsche Welle,” in which the chief editor of the scandal is presented in the role of accuser, while the victims are in the role of the accused. We received a version of the news about the so-called “Albanian terrorist group,” for which the newspaper publishing this slander provides no facts at all. Not even the radio administration has presented any credible evidence. In these circumstances it is clear that we are dealing with a one-sided and denigrating campaign. Serious media should not become part of the spread of unfounded accusations. Such matters require professional responsibility and verification. (Continued on page 5)

According to the BBC, the Albanian Helsinki Committee denounced in PASOK, similarly, the sealing of houses with conspicuous clouds[?], while OMONIA spokespersons reacted, describing this as an irresponsible act. The Greek newspaper “Elefterotipia” reported yesterday that the measures taken by the Greek police against Albanian refugees have caused anger and strong reactions in public opinion. In a special statement, PASOK deputy Sotiris Kostopulos criticized the government’s harsh tone and called for Albanian refugees not to be criminalized. According to him, such actions worsen relations between the two countries and foster a climate of hostility. In the same spirit, representatives of other opposition forces also emphasized that the problems between the two states are not solved with mass expulsions and police pressure on migrants. They called for respect for human rights and dignified treatment of refugees. (Continued on page 3)

The day before yesterday, MPs from the PS parliamentary group, N. Islami, Sh. Braho, A. Malaj, A. Vuka, accompanied by former defence minister H. Dervishi, paid a visit to the family of Major Harulla Tola, who was killed on 22 June in his home. At their branch office, the MPs and the former minister expressed to H. Tola’s family their condolences for this great and shocking loss, as well as the determination of the PS parliamentary group to ask the competent bodies to clarify the causes and identify the perpetrators of this gruesome murder. They said that this is in the interest of the family, the army, and the discovery and resolution of a problem that has affected all Albanians. It would undoubtedly also affect the strength of possible future strikes against this highly damaging phenomenon within the state institutions. After the family meeting, on behalf of the PS parliamentary group, MPs Braho and Islami submitted an official request to the Minister of Defence for an urgent clarification regarding this serious event, with shocking consequences.