On 10 January 2019, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Markos Bolaris, received Albania's Ambassador to Greece, Ardiana Hobdari.At the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs alluded to Greece’s firm support for Albania's accession to the European Union and reminded that our neighbouring country was granted EU candidate status during the Greek Presidency. He underlined the five key, explicit principles of conditionality of the EU General Affairs Council. (decision 26/06/2018), which first and foremost comprise the implementation of the legal framework on non-discrimination policy for minority rights, as well as the effective protection of the property rights of Greek minorities. In this regard, he mentioned the issue of the protection of Greek properties in Himarë. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also referred to the thematic range of his portfolio, underscoring in particular the excellent possibilities for collaboration he envisages in the future in the common areas of culture, education, as well as in ecclesiastic and environmental matters. In conclusion, he requested the Ambassador's personal intervention so that the Albanian Authorities' deliver the forensic results on the death of Konstantinos Katsifas.Ms Hobdari told Mr Bolaris that the Albanian side recognizes and appreciates Greece's firm support for accession to the European Union, not only for her country but also for all the Western Balkan countries, making reference to the Thessaloniki Agenda during the Greek Presidency in 2003. She added that Albania is carrying out reforms in preparation for accession to the European Union. Regarding the properties issue, she clarified that her country is trying to form a clear picture of the ownership status. She added that the investigation of the competent authorities on the death of K. Katsifas is almost complete, and that the Greek side will soon be informed of its results.
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