Greek foreign minister cancels trip over Albanian PM’s comment
Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos on Wednesday canceled a trip to Albania because of Greece’s objection to Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s references to a “greater Albania” including areas that belong to Greece ahead of celebrations to mark the centenary of the Balkan country’s independence.
Avramopoulos had been due to fly to Tirana on Thursday to join the events.
“Such statements do not contribute to the creation of an atmosphere of friendship, trust and good neighborliness,” said the Foreign Ministry in Athens.
Berisha’s office later issued a statement clarifying that the prime minister had been making a historical reference and in no way meant to suggest that Albania had any territorial claims on Greece.
