Mitsotakis: Fredi Beleri has the right to be sworn in as Mayor of Himare even in custody

"Greece firmly and unwaveringly supports the accession perspective of the Western Balkans. We are firm supporters of the need for the countries of the Western Balkans to join the European family, but at the same time we recognize that this path is a difficult one, which requires the countries of the Western Balkans to make significant adjustments to the European acquis," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday upon his arrival at the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana.

"And of course, the one principle that is non-negotiable for the European Union and also for Greece, is the respect for the rule of law. A respect which must be manifested in all aspects of the operation of the organised state of all the countries of the Western Balkans," the prime minister stressed and added:

"Unfortunately, our friend Albania has recently made significant concessions on this issue, and I am specifically referring to the case of the elected Mayor of Himare, Fredi Beleri, who has been in pre-trial detention for five months."

Mitsotakis said: "I want to emphasise my respect for the independence of the Albanian Judiciary and I have no desire to interfere in the way it operates. However, I want to stress that Fredi Beleri has the right to be sworn in as Mayor of Himare even if he is in custody."

It is an inalienable right, which derives from the Albanian constitutional order, a right, moreover, which is fully compatible with the European rules of the rule of law. And it is very important that Mr. Beleri is sworn in as Mayor of Himare, so that this important shadow, which at this moment is undoubtedly affecting Greek-Albanian relations, goes away."

The prime minister noted that the resolution of the Beleri issue is a condition for Greece to agree to the start of Albania's negotiations with the EU.

"I will repeat that the resolution of this issue is a necessary condition for Greece to take the next step and agree to start the process of Albania's negotiations with the European Union. I hope and wish that this problem can be resolved in a spirit of cooperation and good mood, without further overshadowing our relations between the two states", he said.

When asked if he will discuss the Beleri issue with Prime Minister Edi Rama, he replied: "Yes, I will discuss the Fredi Beleri issue with Prime Minister Rama. Our position on this issue is very clear: I have no intention, nor is my job, to interfere with the proceedings of the independent Albanian Judiciary. However, Fredi Beleri has the right to be sworn in, even if he remains in custody. I will make this absolutely clear to Edi Rama and I hope we can resolve this matter in a positive manner."