Ministry for Europe and the Foreign Affairs organized a public hearing with the “National Minorities – linking bridge” on the process of drafting bylaws of the Law “On the Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania”, with the presence of representatives of the Greek national minority. This public hearing took place also in the framework of the Cultural Diversity Day in Grapsh, Gjirokastra with the participation of the Prime Minister, Edi Rama and Members of Parliament representatives of the area, representatives of the national minority committee and representatives of local government.

Prime Minister Rama noted among other things in this meeting with the Greek minority that the steps the government has made with the Law on national minorities are admirable. The Albanian Prime Minister stated that laws are the ones that determine the progress, welfare and better adjust relations between citizens and the state. I believe that the law on national minorities is an important endeavour, after spending more than 25 years trying to make it happen.

In his speech, Minister Bushati praised the contribution of the Greek national minority in their coexistence in the Albanian society. It is our duty to work with you in order to bring about European standards laws and to work with the Greek government and international bodies to implement projects related to “unity in diversity”, said Minister Bushati. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania valued the contribution given not only by the institution he leads, but also the contribution of all line ministries in preparing the by-laws, with the assistance and contributions of international expertise.

Representatives of the Greek national minority appraised the adoption of the law on national minorities and the measures taken to improve the situation and to guarantee their rights in practice. In addition, the participants presented specific issues related to minority self-identification, teaching in mother language, participation in public, economic, social life and improvement of the necessary conditions and infrastructure of this community daily life.