Letter

The following letter was addressed to :
Human Rights Watch
President Karolas Papoulias
Mr Tom Lantos, Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs



On behalf of the Greek Minority living in Southern Albania, we would like to address our concerns. The Greek minority in Southern Albania has a long and rich history. They have lived in these lands for centuries and have suffered for many a year.
During the time of the communist years of Enver Hoxha, we were stripped of our rights to speak and study our mother tongue. We were denied our religious rights. The Greek minority was forcefully moved around Albania to break us up. With the fall of communism in the early 90’s we had hope that things would change. It has been 15 years and things are moving along very slow. Today, in the year 2008, with Albania being considered for entry into the EU and NATO, we the Greek Minority are still being denied our basic Human rights.
In recent months, there have been numerous Orthodox churches in Southern Albania, especially in the Himara region that have been vandalized or burned. There have been properties that have either been stolen or sold without permission. There have been reports that the leader of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Yanoulatos is being considered to be replaced because he is not an Ethnic Albanian. There are not words that can describe what this wonderful man has done for the Church and for the people of Albania. His life is always in danger. He has resurrected the Orthodox Church from the ashes that was caused by the leadership of the Hoxha regime. He has opened medical clinics all over Albania. He was one of the first people to offer humanitarian aid to the people of Kosovo; He has been elected head of the World Counsel of Churches by his peers. He his offered his life to everyone regardless of what color or what religion they are.

We ask the Albanian Government to cease the mistreatment of the Greek Minority and to allow them there right to keep their Churches , practice their religeion. Be able to study their native language in school, and to allow them to keep the properties that are entitled to them.

There are many atrocities in the world today, and we have waited and have been patient for many many years. We ask you to please help put a stop to the mistreatment of the Greek minority in Albania and ensure that there human rights are granted. May the New Year bring you good health and happiness !


Thank You
The Northern Epirotes of America