Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs George A. Papandreou met his Albanian counterpart Paskal Milo in Athens last Friday. Their discussion focussed primarily on security, illegal migration, and crime, as well as the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries.

Both ministers stressed that relations between Greece and Albania are excellent. The two countries have been working together closely, and also co-operating in the wider region, especially during the recent crisis in Yugoslavia. Greece has supported and actively promoted Albania’s efforts to forge links with the EU.

Speaking to the press after their meeting, the ministers announced they had reached a joint decision to promote the so-called Dalmatian Axis  - a trade and transport link between the Greek port of Igoumenitsa and Trieste. They also discussed economic co-operation, including investments in natural gas and hydro-electricity, communications and tele-communications, as well as Greek financial aid to Albania.

In terms of Greek-Albanian cultural and educational relations, a recent amendment to the Albanian constitution allows for Greek to be taught in Albanian schools. Likewise, Albanian children in Greek schools are educated in their own language. “We want to promote Greek culture and the Greek language in Albania, particularly among our Greek minority there,” said Mr. Papandreou. He announced that Greece has undertaken the establishment of the National Theatre of Albania, and set up a Treasury to raise funds from Greece and abroad.

On the controversial question of illegal immigration, Mr. Papandreou made the following statement: “Immigration and illegal migration are two separate issues which unfortunately are sometimes confused. There are many legal workers in Greece both from Albania and other countries. Legalizing their status is a vital and positive step towards integrating foreign workers into Greek society. Furthermore, Greece has made significant gestures of goodwill by accepting a large number of political, economic, and other refugees from Albania during critical periods. ”

“Naturally, the next step was to legalize their status by granting green cards to those who had proof of employment. This procedure is not yet complete but it is being actively implemented. This helps to ensure that foreign workers are actively involved Greek society, and of course they receive free welfare and education. The presence of Albanian workers has a positive impact on the Greek economy, particularly in areas such as construction, tourism, and housework. At the same time, their substantial remittances bolster the Albanian economy. So this harmonious co-operation is in the mutual interests of both countries.”

“There are however a significant number of illegal immigrants in Greece engaged in criminal activities. The Greek Police Force is making serious efforts to detain and deport such individuals. Although they are illegal immigrants, they must be treated in a respectful and humane way. Any violation of human rights on the part of the authorities is of course punishable by law. The Greek government is determined to ensure that all laws are upheld. We are determined to stamp out criminal activity, but in such a way that the dignity and human rights of every individual are respected. ”

As part of this crack down on crime, Greek Minister of Public Order Mr. Chrysochoides is set to begin a series of contacts with his Albanian counterpart.  Mr. Pascal Milo stressed that although illegal migration and crime were very important, the main purpose of his visit (which was scheduled three weeks ago) was to explore all possible means of developing bilateral relations between Greece and Albania.  “I think we all agree that peace cannot be restored to the Balkans unless we co-operate with one another,” he said. “We must give up all forms of prejudice and foster greater understanding and trust. The Albanian government regards Greece as one of its closest allies. We have worked together in the past and look forward to even closer collaboration in future.”

He expressed the hope that a small proportion of the Albanian population involved in criminal activity will not jeopardize Greek public opinion of the Albanian people overall.  “A criminal element exists in every country. Frankly, what concerns us today is that there is no evidence that this criminal element in Greece is being adequately dealt with. Criminals should be punished according to Greek law. Those without legal residence permits should be deported. But they must not be mistreated or subjected to violence. Their identity cards should not be destroyed. If this procedure is carried out in a legal and just manner, the Albanian public will respond. They will accept the fact that unless their papers are in order, they will have to return to Albania.”

Mr. Papandreou made assurances that the Greek government would not allow violent mistreatment of Albanians to go unpunished. On his part, Mr. Milo stressed that restoring security and protecting the human rights of the Greek minority in southern Albania is a top priority for his government. “Albania is grateful for the solidarity that Greece has shown during these difficult years. We ask you to be patient and continue to support us.”

  “The majority of Albanians living in Greece are hard-working individuals who actively contribute to profitable Greek businesses,” Mr. Papandreou said. “They have gradually become assimilated into society, and are law-abiding citizens. Of course there are exceptions, as there are in every society. Legalizing the status of immigrants is the most effective way of dealing with a situation that allows illegal activity among immigrants to flourish.”

Mr. Papandreou also emphasized the role the media has to play in shaping public perceptions of Albanian immigrants. “Improving relations between our two countries, and dealing with the social problems that affect both our societies, is not just a matter for politicians. The media must not create false impressions. Greeks are not hostile to Albanians. The Greek state is not against Albanians. But it is against crime. We believe that Albanian workers make an important contribution to Greek society. We are happy to help immigrants both in Greece and in Albania.”

 On Wednesday July 14, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Miko will meet again in Prespes, northern Greece, for trilateral talks with Mr. Dimitrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the FYROM. It will be the first trilateral meeting between the three ministers, who hope to establish regular talks every six months. They will draw up a series of joint proposals for the development and reconstruction of the Balkans within the framework of the Balkan Stability Pact. Greece has already put forward a proposal to crack down on crime and illegal migration by developing trans-border co-operation and training border patrols. As a member of both the EU and NATO, Greece has been very instrumental in beginning the process of integration of Albania and FYROM into these alliances. Other issues on their agenda will be transport, commerce, and education.