"Manipulations in the scientific archaeological process in Butrint"/ Vangjeli: The construction of the resort in the Bay of Manastir should be investigated

2026-03-26 12:24:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Manipulations in the scientific archaeological process in Butrint"/

The Anti-Corruption Spokesperson in the Democratic Party, Genta Vangjeli, has requested a full and independent investigation into the construction of a resort in the Bay of Manastir, within the Butrint National Park, raising suspicions of deliberate interference in the scientific archaeological process.

According to the investigation by the 'Amfora' Center, the construction has destroyed the archaeological potential of the area, including a discovery from 2010, while the works have been carried out without archaeological monitoring.

According to Vangjeli, archaeologist Iris Pojani's report did not include this discovery and did not recommend surveys for underground works, paving the way for the construction of the resort.

The DP demands that the integrity of the report be verified, that responsibility be established for any legal violations, and that the real protection of cultural heritage be guaranteed, considering it a national asset and an obligation to future generations.

Cultural heritage cannot be treated as a commodity for private interest, the Democrats emphasize, while demanding immediate transparency and accountability.

Denunciation of the DP

The construction of the resort in the Manastir area, part of the Butrint National Park, raises serious suspicions of deliberate interference in the scientific archaeological process, with the aim of favoring private interests.

The construction of this resort forever transformed the Bay of Manastir, which separates the Ionian Sea from Lake Butrint, and in turn destroyed the archaeological potential of the area, including a 2010 discovery.

According to data made public by the investigation of the 'Amfora' Center.

The development company, with the status of strategic investor, did not comply with archaeological monitoring, and was also found in violation by a UNESCO-ICOMOS assessment.

Meanwhile, cultural authorities censored the documents and changed alibis several times.

The manipulation of cultural heritage for clientelistic and economic interests constitutes one of the most serious forms of abuse of national assets.

Archaeologist Iris Pojani, or as she is otherwise called, the friend of Minister Mirela Kumbaro who at that time headed the Ministry of Culture, turns out to have drafted an archaeological observation report through which she paved the way for construction in the Manastir area precisely at the 'tiny spot' described by Mirela Kumbaro, but with high archaeological potential.

According to the investigation:

This report does not include an important archaeological discovery from 2010, a circular structure suspected to be part of a defensive system from the Late Antiquity period.

No archaeological surveys have been recommended for the underground works, even though the area is considered high risk and,

Field work has continued without archaeological monitoring.

Therefore, the Democratic Party demands:

A full and independent investigation of this case;

Verify the integrity of the archaeological report and the procedures followed;

To establish responsibility for any legal or professional violations;

To guarantee the real protection of cultural assets and full transparency for the public.

Cultural heritage cannot be treated as a commodity to be negotiated.

It is a national asset and an obligation to future generations.

The time for responsibility is now./ CNA