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14 October, 2000
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Friday emphasized that the ethnic Greek community in neighboring Albania enjoys under international law "the same rights for which the Albanians struggle for their compatriots in Kosovo."
The Greek minister's statements from the northern city of Thessaloniki came in light of reports from the impoverished, neighboring country citing increased chauvinistic rhetoric prior to the upcoming second round of municipal elections in the predominately ethnic Greek region of Heimarra.
Several Albanian politicians, most notably former premier and current Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, as well as portions of the local media have focused inflammatory remarks against a mostly ethnic Greek party active in the area. These developments had led to the scheduled dispatch of numerous international election observers and to concern by several diplomatic missions in Tirana, including the Greek and US embassies, according to reports.
Speaking to reporters, Tsohatzopoulos stressed that Athens expects that the principles of human and minority rights be strictly respected within Albania.
"To the extent that we jointly respect these principles, we can create a positive climate and conditions for stability.
He also maintained that Greece will continue to work unimpeded with the Albanian people "for the same ideals, principles, security, peace, social progress and prosperity."
Asked about the situation in Yugoslavia, Tsohatzopoulos said the "void" that existed for the past years in the region's security has vanished.
Source: Athens News Agency
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