Greek minority in Albania clashes with Police

[Angelo]

Greek minority in Albania clashes with Police
Friday, 11 April 2008
Group of sixty members of Greek minority in Albania have stoned the Albanian police station in the southern coastal city of Himara. The stoning was a revolt against the arrest of two members of Greek minority organization "Omonia".

Albanian police was forced to fire warning shots in the air to disperse the protesters. According to police, the activist were arrested after their refusal to show any kind of identification as well as resisting arrest.

After the arrest, Albanian medial reported that Greek minorities staged a viloent protest whith anti-Albanian paroles: "This is North Epir", "This is Greek territory", "We want Greek police", "Albanians and Turks Out" etc.

Himara's mayor and president of Omonia's organization, Vasil Bolano, who according to Albanian media lead and organized the protests, denied any anti Albanian paroles and accused the police of using brutal force.

Situation in Himara today is stabilized. Bolano has asked the prosecution office to look into the case.

[Prokomenos]

Looks like the whole Balkan region is heating up. Things are going to look interesting this year.

[Napalm]

Those albanian animals have no business being in Europe.

[ursus]

They definitely need to decamp from Greek territory. But with a trecherous and sell out government as we have today these people are encouraged to invade and settle in our midst, and in addition our blessed government extends them licences to own property, businesses, and citizenship.

[Angelo]

Protests in Himara continue
Saturday, 12 April 2008

Proests continue in Himara, Albania. The protest took a strange turn when Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Teodoris Kasimis who visited the region, joined them. The protestors have asked for Greek citizenships as well as Autonomy for Himara.

According to Albanian media, once again protesters yelled out anti-Albanian paroles, sang the Greek national anthem. They were joined by 'local Albanian officials' of Greek heritage.

Kasimis, who visitied Himara a day after the violent protests have met with members of Greek organization "Omonia" as well as with local leaders behind closed doors.