Question 1: How would you define your visit to Albania in the light of the bilateral relations ?
Answer:: I consider my official visit to Albania as being a most important visit. I am quite confident that it will offer another opportunity to further strengthen our bilateral relations, which have already reached a very good level. At the same time, I will have the occasion to meet and have discussions with President Moisiu, whose reputation, integrity and competence are well known.
Question 2: Do you think there are some aspects relating the bilateral relations that need to be further improved?
Answer:Neighbouring countries have the possibility of developing their relations on a great variety of domains and it is natural that there are aspects of bilateral relations on which we can work more constructively. But the most important is that the overall framework of our bilateral cooperation has been significantly improved over the last years, based on an atmosphere of confidence, mutual respect and understanding, which constitute the prevailing features of our relations.
Question 3: What’s your comment on the last incidents in Greece following the football match Albania-Greece? Do you think they will effect the relations between the two countries?
Answer: I deeply regret that such incidents occur in our countries by fanatical football fans. Unfortunately, violence occurs often even during matches of local teems. However, I wish to remind you that Greek political personalities and the media, condemned vigorously these events. I am convinced that such isolated incidents can not affect our relations. This is also the political will, stated clearly by both Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of their meeting in Athens on September 16th.
Question 4:Albania is in the process of entering the EU. How can Greece help Albania in this respect?
Answer: Greece has always supported the European perspective of all Balkan states. As you may remember, it was during the holding of the EU Presidency of Greece that a EU-Western Balkan Summit was organized for the first time, in Thessaloniki on June 21st. This summit issued an important statement., the “Agenda of Thessaloniki”, concerning the integration of the countries of the western Balkans into the European Union. Furthermore the negotiations between Albania and EU for the signature of a Stabilization and Association Agreement started under the Greek Presidency for the EU. In this context the Greek Government offered to the competent Albanian authorities, and is always ready to do so, know-how and expertise in view of reforms necessary for the conclusion of this Agreement. The recent Declaration of the European Union shows what needs further to be done.
Question 5: There is a Greek project on the development of the Western Balkans. In your view what are the prospects of this project?
Answer:The Greek Project for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans represents a real and tangible contribution addressing the serious problems affecting the countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and development. Especially for Albania, the budget available amounts to 50.000.000 euros for the period 2002-2006. As I know, some important Albanian projects are already in the process of being implemented. These projects as well as Greek private investment in Albania enhance decisively the economic and commercial relations between our countries.
