Sir, I fail to see how your editorial "Rebuilding Albania" (March 19th) managed to list Greece as a "powder keg" to be erupted amongst other troubled Balkan countries. Far from being a part of the Balkan turmoil, Greece is the only factor of stability in the area, playing a leading role in bringing about political and economic progress in the post communist neighbouring states undergoing severe crisis of adjustment through systematic and consistent policies of co operation and assistance. It is a role highly recognised by our European partners, but unfortunately grossly ignored or underrated by some media.
Deeds speak more eloquently, than words. As a country, we are sparing no effort to show in all possible practical terms our human solidarity with the Albanian people. On the diplomatic level, you can hardly find any other country more active, committed and keen in bringing about a viable political and peaceful solution to the crisis.
We do not need to advertise our systematic efforts or assistance provided to the Albanian people. For instance, Greece was the first to provide medical and humanitarian aid, our hospitals are treating Albanian casualties, we conducted without fuss two rescue operations evacuating from Albania hundreds of foreign citizens. There are more than 300,000 Albanian immigrants in Greece - one in three families in Albania is dependent on Greece for survival - and there are more than 200 Greek companies operating in Albania, while the Albanian Defence Ministry has asked Greece to help in reorganising her armed forces.
And last, but not least, Greece has made available a long term loan of $80m, on very favourable terms to the Albanian Central Bank, partly to compensate people for money lost through fraudulent investment schemes and partly to be used for economic recovery. This move we would like to see as part of a wider European and international economic package. It would be futile to go on to include diplomatic and other initiatives.
What is needed urgently is a concerted, effective European and international response to resolving the Albanian crisis and helping the Albanian people to rebuild from scratch viable, lasting political and democratic institutions as well as economic structures, a sine qua non condition for stability during the painful transition to a market economy. - Yours, etc.,
Press counsellor, Greek
Embassy,
Dublin 2.