Greek media Protothema attacks the Albanian general Piro Ahmetaj, who in an analysis published a few days ago ABC NEWS explains why Greece should not be allowed to build a military base on the island of Othonoi, in front of Albanian waters.
In the article published by Protothema, it is said that the Albanian general considered this step of the Greeks a provocation. The media in question mentions Ahmetaj's experience in the ranks of the army, recalling that he also came out against the expansion of Greece with 12 miles in the Ionian Sea, detaching parts of his analysis.
The article then goes on to say that if Greece wanted to attack Albania it would have done so in other forms, adding that the Albanian general, instead of being grateful, blames the Greek side. Referring to the agreement between the parties in 2009, the article quotes that behind this hides the Turkish influence and according to this paper this current reaction of the general leads to the opinion that he is under external influence.
Excerpts from the article in the Greek media:
He strongly opposes the expansion of Greek territorial waters in the Ionian Sea. In an article on 16/11/2020, Ahmetaj states: “On the other hand, if we consider it real news that Greece at the time of negotiations with the Republic of Albania for the definition of water zones plans to develop military capabilities on an island with 400 inhabitants, in front of a NATO member country, then this would be a serious challenge degrading consequently the spirit of mutual trust and relations between the two countries. In simple words, it would be meaningless.
Also, Ahmetaj emphasizes that the installation of a Greek guard in Othonos, means that our country has long-term goals. And that Greece's military perception has changed to expand control of maritime space.
That is, according to the Albanian general, does Greece have the right to install a military force over the Ottomans? Are the Ottomans a gray area? What are Greece's long-term goals? If Greece wanted to attack Albania, it could have done so in other ways! Let Mr. Ahmetaj not forget that Albanian airspace. Greek "Guard" F16. Instead of saying "thank you", he blames us.
Ahmetaj then turns against the Rama government, as he apparently opposes and accuses the Albanian Prime Minister of having previously accepted the extension of Greek territorial waters, making it difficult for Albania in the International Court of Justice.
He also asks the Albanian President Ilir Meta to ask for detailed explanations from Edi Rama for accepting the extension of Greek territorial waters, which "seriously threatens the position of the Republic of Albania in the Corfu canal".
It is known that, at the suggestion and encouragement of the Turks, the 2009 Greece-Albania agreement on the EEA was never ratified. And from the current argument of Ahmetaj makes us think that he is led by others.