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| The bust honoring former Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis in Derviçan, near Gjirokastra |
Amidst ongoing tensions between Tirana and Athens, Albania celebrated the inauguration of a bust honoring former Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis in Derviçan, near Gjirokastra. This event took place on the same day when the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was being sworn in. Kostandinos Mitsotakis, the father of the current Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was the first Greek Prime Minister to visit Albania around 33 years ago, making this celebration a significant gesture of reconciliation and collaboration between the two nations.
Last December, during his visit to Albania, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had pledged to return when the bust of his father was erected, and the village square was named after him. However, due to the recent political controversies, the official unveiling did not take place as planned.
Addressing the gathering during the ceremony, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude for the progress made in ensuring the rights and welfare of minorities in Albania. He emphasized that in Albania, minorities are granted equal legal and customary rights as ethnic Albanians. Prime Minister Rama also touched upon the recent arrest of Fredi Beleri, an event that has caused tensions between the two countries, stressing that it is crucial to continue addressing the concerns and challenges of all citizens, both minorities and the majority, with equal passion and commitment.
He highlighted the importance of Greek minorities in Albania, describing them as a valuable asset and an invaluable bridge to fostering good relations with Greece. Prime Minister Rama expressed his belief that disagreements between the two nations are surmountable and should not weaken the natural bond shared between them. He acknowledged that political agendas can sometimes interfere with the strong connection between neighboring nations, but these are temporary obstacles, and the brotherly bond between Albania and Greece remains unbroken.