His statement on the agreement between Albania and Greece was misunderstood. Johannes Hahn says he has not spoken about changing borders with Albania, but wants the agreement to be closed in time.

“The EU will not accept any state that has unsolved conflicts with neighboring countries, which has accelerated negotiations in some countries, such as in resolving the name dispute between Greece and Macedonia, or other cases. Albania is in negotiations with Greece, I do not prefer to make any other comment, I’m sorry that there were misunderstandings. After a few weeks I am convinced that there will be results”.

Alongside him, at the joint press conference in Brussels, Prime Minister Rama reinforced this position.

“The situation as we all see is that there are traitors in the Greek and Albanian governments. The truth is that both sides are finding solutions in the best interests of their peoples. There are issues that cover 70 years of history, from the law of war to the maritime border, are difficult and we are facing the spirit of openness, we made progress. The shades of the past have come to light. I am 100% sure that when the results are finalized, anyone accusing the betrayal of both sides will be ashamed of public opinion. We have made good progress with Greece and hope to successfully complete this difficult but open dialogue”.

Even with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk was praised for efforts to reach an agreement between the two countries.

“Your efforts to resolve the remaining differences with Greece are the best evidence for Albania’s commitment to the EU and good neighborly relations”.

As far as negotiations are concerned, as Commissioner Hahn, who will visit Tirana next week and Tusk, consider the process that will follow the decision taken on 26 June to set a date for Albania as important.

“I think everything that will be done in the coming months is important to the quality and speed of the following discussions”, Hahn said.

While the President of the EC said:

“I have no doubt that if Albania continues the positive momentum of reforms it will be possible to achieve the necessary results next June, because Albania’s country is in the EU and Albania will become a member of the EU. There are no doubts about this. It is my hope and wishes that all the pro-European wings of Albanian politics work towards this same objective”.

“We have not missed 12 months, but we have 12 months to be prepared for that product that comes after the formal opening. The process does not imply, at any moment that any move from the 5 priorities goes to membership rather it goes deeper”

, Prime Minister Rama said.

During the visit to Tirana, Hahn said he would take the time to speak with the government and the opposition, demanding collaboration among themselves for purposes of national interest./tvklan.al