The Greek government interprets Edi Rama’s “antics” as a significant step backward on Albania’s part. Yesterday, Rama played “hide and seek” with Members of the European Parliament visiting his country, leaving Fredi Beleris to…knock on his closed office door. Moreover, Athens was strongly displeased by the image of a Greek MEP being attacked by an Albanian, while security measures were entirely absent. This stands in stark contrast to every visit by Rama to Greece, such as the upcoming one in Thessaloniki next Sunday, which is conducted under a strict security protocol, as is the case for any foreign leader visiting Greece.

“Albanian authorities must take the necessary steps to ensure the security of Members of the European Parliament and their freedom to perform their duties without obstruction,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an announcement yesterday. Members of the European Parliament from New Democracy also highlighted the lack of security measures. “There was an evident absence of any form of state protection, which could have prevented the attack,” noted the New Democracy delegation in the European Parliament.

The images of the perpetrator of the attack casually strolling outside the Albanian Parliament without any interference were, after all, telling. Shortly afterward, he even followed Mr. Beleris, going as far as to trail him right up to his hotel.

The Albanian Dilemma

“Albania is balancing between negative Balkan habits and the pursuit of a European path,” a senior government source told protothema.gr, acknowledging that Greek-Albanian relations are on a razor’s edge.

Although efforts are being made to establish channels of communication and cooperation on “low politics” issues, such as bilateral economic relations, Albanian practices leave little room for optimism about substantial progress. The Beleris case, in particular, has cast a “heavy shadow” over Greek-Albanian relations for some time now.

On the other hand, following the adoption of the European Union’s collective stance by the 27 member states on the need to protect minority rights, Greece’s position towards Albania is, by default, becoming “regulatory.”

In the case of Mr. Beleris, Rama’s personal aversion is clear, as he has engaged in a series of diplomatic improprieties, effectively refusing to recognize Mr. Beleri as a Member of the European Parliament responsible for monitoring Albania’s EU accession progress. Not only was he the only MEP Rama refused to meet, despite a scheduled appointment, but he also met with the other MEPs in their hotel, as they belong to the European Socialists (the same group as Rama’s party).

The Visit to Thessaloniki

In this context, Rama is preparing to come to Thessaloniki on Sunday to speak at a campaign event, as he did a few months ago in Galatsi. A strong police presence is expected to ensure there are no disruptions around and outside the Porto Palace Hotel, where his appearance is scheduled.

Greek authorities believe that the hotel venue, compared to the enclosed stadium in Galatsi, will be easier to control, minimizing the risks. However, as always, the devil is in the details—particularly in the words of the Albanian prime minister.

“Unacceptable and staged”

“Unacceptable and staged” is how New Democracy MEP, Fredi Beleris, described the attack outside the Albanian parliament in Tirana yesterday, Tuesday.

“Those who know Albania, know very well that it is impossible for a citizen to approach a member of a foreign delegation and even stay there for 10-15 minutes in order to attack me,” Beleris told ANT1.

In fact, he said of the incident, “some reporters tried to stop the perpetrator, but others were part of the staging and signaled when I was coming so he will attack me.”

Mr. Beleris also denounced the attitude towards him by Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama. “What he did was unacceptable from an institutional point of view. On a personal level, it doesn’t bother me at all, because as much as he appreciates me, I appreciate him too…”