Top Channel's Director of Information, Robert Rakipllari, debated this evening with analyst Arian Curri regarding the origin of the protesters in Zvërnec.
Invited to 'Top Story', analyst Curri stated that, from direct contacts with citizens in the area, they have considered themselves part of the Greek minority.
On the other hand, Rakipllari explained that Prime Minister Rama himself was unaware of the Greek community in Zvërnec, a claim that he said he had only learned about today.
Excerpts from the debate:
Curri: Another paradox that surprised me is that there are also properties of the Himarijots that are allegedly taken unfairly. I would like from Vermoshi to Konispol to feel Albania as ours. It is another reason why Greece is included.
Rakipllari: I just want to give one important detail. Top Channel has 2 correspondents in Greece and I have been in communication with them. They told me that all Greek TVs, of all colors, have had this very central issue since yesterday and today, addressing the issue from every point of view: properties, the environment, police violence. They claim that it is the properties of the Greek minority. I did not know. They were telling me that such a great commitment of the Greek media to have such a central issue has surpassed even bigger issues, like Beleri or other crises that we have had with Greece.
Curri: That area has something special.
Rakipllari: Even the most vocal protesters have been those who came from Greece.
Curri: Those residents I met were not against the investment. The only problem they have is that their ownership is recognized. They say there is overlap, property conflict and they are in court with a person who claims to own that part of the sea. The state or those who own it should pay us for the property. This is what they told me today.
Another concern of mine was also about the environmental issue. The island is called Zvërnec Island, and the lagoon is called Narta Lagoon. For 15 years of my youth there, I constantly heard villagers from Narta, who consider themselves members of the Greek minority, but also villagers from Zvërnec who fought over the name. Stories of people who are also proud of their origin.
The Zvernecians are Vlachs or Aromanians and due to their origin they have also received Greek documents, which is why they are also considered a minority. That population is all Vlachs, while those from Narta speak Greek. Now, that is how they declare themselves. What I want to emphasize is that they themselves would like their property to be purchased.
Rakipllari: This story of obtaining Greek papers and citizenship after the '90s and now is very widespread.
Curri: They have Greek letters. Greece is all Vlach.
Rakipllari: This is the first Greek claim. Even Prime Minister Rama heard for the first time today about the Greek community in Zvërnec.
Curri: They have passports.
Rakipllari: If Albania wants to make significant investments, 4 billion euros of investment from major tourism brands is welcome. Albanian tourism will move towards this logic. From this point of view, the quality of the Albanian state and the granting of properties should also be at this level. We cannot seek elite tourism and have the property issue at a tribal level. Citizens have won with Law 7501./ TCH