Ruling on jailed ethnic Greek mayor deferred

It was seen as no surprise in Greece that the final decision on the appeal of jailed ethnic Greek mayor Fredi Beleri was deferred on Friday to the Special Court of Appeal of Tirana later this month, namely on June 25. 

The elected mayor of Himare in southern Albania and, now, elected MEP of the New Democracy, will not face any obstacle in the ratification of his election to the European Parliament.

This is because the swearing-in to the European Parliament is not a prerequisite for the ratification of his legal election.

However, on July 16 a first meeting of the new composition of the European Parliament will take place and he may not be given the opportunity to attend.

In comments to Skai TV, Beleri said that “the only fair decision would be my acquittal,” adding that he has no illusions about the Albanian justice system.

“I know that the judicial system in Albania is controlled by [Prime Minister] Edi Rama,” Beleri said, regarding his case which has put a strain on Greek-Albanian relations.

Greece has repeatedly stressed that the Beleri case is a violation of the rule of law and has warned it could block Albania’s EU aspirations.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis put Greece’s message across at the summit of the Southeast Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Skopje on Thursday, stressing that respect for international law and good-neighborly relations is a necessary condition for EU membership.

“Continuous dialogue, refraining from divisive rhetoric and unilateral actions, as well as the implementation of international agreements are essential for finding a sustainable way forward and ensuring stability, security and prosperity in our region,” Gerapetritis said.

Economic integration goes hand in hand, he stressed, with the implementation of necessary and substantial reforms, with particular emphasis on the rule of law, human rights, especially the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups, the fight against corruption and organized crime, and freedom of the press.