SPECIAL STATE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING SUBJECT: RELEASE OF 2008 ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BRIEFERS: SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE; JOHN V. HANFORD, III, AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LOCATION: STATE DEPARTMENT BRIEFING ROOM, WASHINGTON, D.C.
TIME: 2:36 P.M. EDT DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

ALBANIA, RELIGION FREEDOM AND PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THE GREEK COMMUNITY, ATTACK BY ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT
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Question: Lambros, ....Okay, one more question. I go to Albania for a second, Ambassador. Did you have the chance personally to watch and report any aspect of religious freedom and property rights for the Greek community in Northern Epirus in Albania, which most recently are under systematic attack by the Albanian government?

MR. HANFORD: Right. I have not met with the government of Albania on these issues, but we're aware of them. Obviously, our government raises them. I don't have an answer for you right now that would provide clear guidance on where that's likely to go.

NOTE; ALBANIAN SPECIAL FORCES "RENEA" CAME FROM TIRANA ARE CONFRONTING WITH OWNERS, MEMBERS OF GREEK COMMUNITY IN VLORA CITY. VIOLATING THE PROPERTY LAWS AND ALBANIAN CONSTITUTION, THE ALBANIAN AUTHORITY CONTINUE TO SHOW TERROR AGAINST UNIVERSAL RIGHTS OF PROPERTY.