
The Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, has reacted to the statements of Greek MEP Fredi Beleri regarding the situation in Zvërnec, opposing the use of the term "Northern Epirus" and accusing him of distorting history and facts.
Balla's reaction came after a post by Beleri on social media, where the Greek MEP announced an interview in which he had spoken about the situation in Zvërnec and what he called "the Greeks of Northern Epirus."
Through a public message on social networks, Balla emphasized that Zvërnec is located in the territory of the Republic of Albania and that such terminology has no place in the current political debate.
"Mr. MEP Beleri, Zvërnec is in the country called Albania. The term 'Northern Epirus' has died along with every dream of the people who try to keep it alive. Therefore, please implement the official names that the European Parliament requires," Balla wrote.
He further underlined that Albania remains committed to respecting the rule of law, protecting property rights and guaranteeing the rights of national minorities.
"Regarding Albania's commitment to the rule of law, the protection of property rights and the rights of national minorities, rest assured that these are constitutional, legal obligations and European commitments for us," he said.
Balla also accused Beleri of using the issue for political purposes.
"Don't do politics by distorting facts and history," he added.
At the end of his reaction, the head of the SP parliamentary group stated that the debate will continue in the European institutions.
"We will continue this discussion in Strasbourg next month about everything we do for the highly respected Greek minority in Albania," Balla concluded.
The controversy between Albanian officials and MEP Fredi Beleri has intensified in recent days following the debate surrounding the protests and incidents recorded in Zvërnec, an issue that has also been raised in European Union institutions.