In an interview for "France24", Prime Minister Edi Rama answered some questions that were raised after the signing on November 7 of the agreement between Rome and Tirana, which provides for the landing of 36 thousand immigrants per year, in the reception centers that will are built in the port of Shengjin and Gjadër.
The head of the government faced the fact that Brussels has expressed concerns about his cooperation with Meloni. He also responded to rumors that Albania is accepting immigrants in exchange for quick EU membership, categorically denying such a bargain.
" A very simple reason must be emphasized. It is true that Albania is not yet a member of the EU, but it is a fully European country, neighboring Italy, and if the same agreement had been made with an EU country, it would not be news of the day at all. But the fact that this agreement is made with a non-member country causes, not only news, but also conspiracy theories and suspicions that are not serious, for me. If we raise questions about the method, we must raise questions about the entire European Union, we must raise questions about the method in all EU countries, because these reception centers are not new. It is about a reception center that is standard in all EU countries ", said Rama.
Regarding the concerns of the local community in Lezhë and Shengjin, where the two immigrant reception centers will be built, Rama recalled the case when Albania opened its doors for shelter to several thousand Afghan citizens who fled their country after the return to power of the Taliban . .
According to the head of the government, no one in the EU should be scandalized by the agreement between Albania and Italy, but should consider it as help to a neighboring country in the conditions of the migratory crisis that has gripped Europe.
" Why should we be scandalized if it is externalized from a European Union country to a fully European country that is neighboring this European country? We should not be scandalized by this, we should think about how we should all react to this phenomenon that is getting bigger and bigger and that no one has given an answer to. Perhaps reception centers are not the real solution, but it is not for us to remind Europe. We are just giving a little help to a country that is not only a neighbor, but with which we have been deeply connected for a long time. On the other hand, I must say that it is not about 36,000 people, but about a reception center with 3,000 places available. This means that there will be 3000 people in Albania and no more, if there is rotation this is something normal, there may be more people who are expected and whose request is examined in Albania. But there are 3000 people. And I don't think these 3000 people will shake the tourism industry. Because we have already sheltered 4000 or so Afghans... ".
He has also responded to the concerns of international NGOs such as Amnesty International, who believe that immigrants will become traffic objects for Albanian groups, since they themselves intend to go to EU countries. According to Rama, the time has come for stories with Albanian mobsters to stop becoming a refrain, as they are not serious.
" I find all this difficult to understand. I repeat, this is not the only reception center in Europe, it has the same standard and nature as those in Greece. Greece is a member of the EU and I do not know if there is any difference and where those who criticize see the difference. And the 3,000 people who will come to Albania in the reception center become a trigger for the old chorus of stories with mafias, with traffickers, with human rights and others like these, it is not serious We need to think more deeply about these things, we need to find a solution ," said Rama. (A2 Televizion)