September 1, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
The Foreign
Minister of Greece, Giorgos Gerapetritis, has called the extension of detention
for Fredi Beleri a clear violation of the presumption of innocence, which is
preventing him to swear as the mayor of Himarë.
In an interview with the media in the neighboring country, he informed that Beleri’s issue was discussed at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers “Gymnich” in Toledo,
I also had
the opportunity to have a discussion with the Commissioner responsible for
Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, with whom we talked about the issues of the
Western Balkans. Greece, as is already known, has taken the initiative to
accelerate the steps on the path of the Western Balkans towards the European
family. And 20 years after the historic Thessaloniki Declaration, Greece will
always be a support for these countries regarding their European perspective.
Especially in the case of Mr. Beleri, I want to emphasize that, regardless of
the issue of judicial decisions, the independence of the Albanian judiciary,
here is the issue of detention that prevents him from taking office. This is a
clear violation of the presumption of innocence, of the rule of law, of his
political rights and of the citizens of Himarë who elected him,” said the Greek
diplomat.
euronews
--