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"They will use Albanian areas without compensation"/ Balla gives details of the Rama-Meloni agreement for immigrants

2023-11-08 10:15:00, Politikë CNA

"They will use Albanian areas without compensation"/ Balla gives

Taulant Balla

The two reception centers for the accommodation of immigrants will be set up in two designated areas: one on the coast of Shengjin and the other in Gjadër, 20 km from this coast. We are talking about those immigrants who are caught by the Italian authorities at sea, before they set foot on the Italian shores. Pregnant women, children and vulnerable people for health reasons are excluded from this category.

Area in use without compensation

"The Italian side is only granted the right to use the designated areas without compensation. The areas will be managed entirely by the Italian side, under the jurisdiction of the Italian state, which will be responsible for resolving disputes that may arise within these areas." Interior Minister Balla told DW.

He emphasized that "in the agreement, it was agreed that the total number of immigrants present in these areas will not exceed 3,000 people". But official sources have indicated that during a year their number can reach up to 36,000.

How long will immigrants stay in Albania?

This is still unknown. The time will depend on the extension of the procedures of the Italian state. "Immigrants will be accommodated in the reception structures only with the purpose of carrying out the border procedures of repatriation and after their completion they will be taken out of the territory of Albania, says the Minister of the Interior Balla. The maximum period of stay will be in accordance with the period of defined in the Italian legislation for these procedures," says Interior Minister Balla.

According to him, "the transportation to the territory of Albania and the escorting of the emigrants after the completion of the procedures outside this territory will be carried out by the Italian side with its own means", he emphasizes. Albania in the agreement only has the right to receive the data of the emigrants it wants to enter its territory.

Public safety

The Democratic Party (PD), the largest opposition party in Albania, has requested an interpellation in the Parliament regarding the Rama-Meloni agreement. According to her, this agreement violates public security and lacks transparency. "Security within the areas defined in the agreement will be guaranteed by the Italian side, which has the obligation to maintain public order and security in the internal perimeter. The Albanian side is committed to maintaining order and security in the external perimeter as well as during the transport of immigrants from one zone to the other. The Albanian side has reserved the right to have access to the zones only in case of potential danger, which will require immediate intervention", Minister Balla told DW.

Only those asylum-seeking immigrants who will be repatriated will be accommodated in Gjadër. "Immigrants will not be allowed to leave the designated areas during the entire duration of their stay in the Albanian territory", explains the Minister of the Interior Balla. According to him, "all expenses for the establishment of centers and their infrastructure in the designated areas related to security will to be covered 100 percent by the Italian side.". DW