More than the reactions of his opposition, it is the criticism from the Italian Democratic Party about the migrant agreement that has truly surprised and annoyed the Albanian Prime Minister. He provides some additional details on the agreement to Corriere della Sera.

According to Undersecretary Fazzolari, can migrants stay in the centers in Albania for up to 18 months?

“The agreement stipulates that migrants will be hosted in the reception center ‘solely for the purpose of carrying out border or return procedures, as provided by Italian and European regulations and for the strictly necessary time’. In case there is no longer the right to stay in the facilities, Italy immediately transfers migrants from Albanian territory”.

Is there a risk that terrorists may be among the migrants?

“There is no reason to be afraid. We just need to have the will and care to fulfill this commitment with respect for human dignity and the rules established for the operation, which also include control by security agencies of both countries”.

Do you fear that Italy will abandon refugees in your country?

“The answer is in the agreement. The period of stay in Albanian territory cannot exceed the maximum allowed by Italian regulations. Italian authorities, after completing the procedures in accordance with their legislation, will proceed with the removal”.

Who will come to Albania? Initially, it seemed to be only men.

“The term ‘men’ was used by those who distorted what [Italian Prime Minister Giorgia] Meloni said in the press conference. The Prime Minister emphasized that minors and pregnant women do not fall into the categories of people who will be hosted in the reception center in Albania”.

Have you been contacted by other European countries after the agreement with Italy?

“No. And we will not be open to any requests, just as we were not open to such requests before Italy asked us. In Rome, we could not say no because we have a debt of gratitude that we can never repay but should never forget”.

Will asylum-related issues be handled by Italian lawyers who will come to Albania?

“This operation will be 100% the responsibility of the Italian side in every aspect”.

One of the Albanian oppositions claims that it is unconstitutional to cede a piece of land to another state.

“Our laws on this point are clear: the agreement will be ratified by Parliament in the coming weeks”.

Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha told “Corriere” that he fears xenophobia and protests against Italians. What is your reply?

“I never respond in a foreign language to the opposition in Albania, while the words of a politician like him, declared non grata by the U.S. for the ‘serious corruption that has involved his family and undermined the democracy’ of our country, I do not even comment on them in Albanian. Fortunately, Albanians know well what immigration and hospitality towards those in need mean”.

Are you disappointed with the reaction of the Italian Democratic Party?

“I was surprised. They have the right to oppose and criticize their government, but there is no reason to involve socialism and the Albanian Government. Governments come and go, interpretations of socialism vary, but Albania and Italy are always there, indissolubly linked in good and bad times”.

What do you contest about the Italian DP’s reaction and the migration phenomenon?

“Nothing! No one in Europe can claim to have the ideal and functional solution at the same time. Until Europe has a solution accepted by everyone – even in daily application – this will remain a story of struggles and political games in member states”.

Have you received reactions, even informal, from the rest of the Party of European Socialists?

“No, no reaction”.

It seems you have a special relationship with some Italian prime ministers like [Matteo] Renzi and [Giorgia] Meloni. A little less with others, for example, [Mario] Draghi. Why?

“You are mistaken, but it’s not your fault: Draghi is lucky to live without social media, so you have no way of knowing that my relationship with him is also special. To be clear: one of the greatest privileges I have had is that Mario asked me to address him by name. He is a living monument”.

After all this noise, are you still convinced of this agreement with Italy?

“Noises like these, as you rightly call them, do not bother me at all”.

You can read the original article here.