The case of Fredi Beleris is completely intertwined with Albania’s EU accession perspective, according to Alexandra Papadopoulou, Deputy Foreign Minister.

Speaking to members of the parliamentary committees on European Affairs, National Defence and Foreign Affairs on the prospects for EU enlargement, she said that “the Beleris issue was not swept under the carpet. It is not a bilateral issue between Greece and Albania. It is at the heart of Albania’s accession perspective. It is about respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights. That is what we are saying to Albania, that it must respect human rights and will be monitored whether it complies or not,” adding that the interruption of financial programs to the neighbouring country cannot be done by veto as it is decided by a qualified majority.

Regarding the report on Turkey’s accession process, Papadopoulou said “some things were put in the report because someone tried to pass them. Greece takes some actions publicly and others behind the scenes. And it is good not to present some positions as unilateral but as Community positions.”