Greek memorial service in Albania disrupted by extremists

[Update]

Ethnic Greek group in Albania condemns incidents during service for WWII fallen; ministry statement

The ethnic Greek minority organization in neighboring Albania on Monday expressed regret and disappointment over the incidents recorded in the southern Albanian town of Kelcyre (Klisura).

This during events a day earlier to mark the annual October 28 commemoration (Ochi Day) of Greece’s entry into WWII.

A statement issued by the organization noted that a small group of individuals that were transported to the site from other areas of Albania attempted to disturb a memorial service for the Greek soldiers that died in southern Albania fighting against fascist Italian forces during WWII.

According to dispatch by AMNA on Sunday, a handful of individuals — described as members of extremist groups in the neighboring country — chanting anti-Greek slogans and hurled rocks against diplomatic vehicles and buses carrying relatives of WWII victims.

Among others, former Greek Parliament president Giorgos Sourlas was in the Greek ambassador’s car, which was also targeted.

Despite an intervention by Albanian police, the memorial service in Klisura, the site of a WWII cemetery for Greek servicemen, was observed amid protests by Albanian nationalists from the so-called “Red and Black Alliance” and a marginal political party (PDIU ) identified with the Chams sub-group within Albanian society.

A statement issued by Omonia added, nevertheless, that memorial services were held without incident in the Albanian towns of Deropoli, Himare, Korce and Sarande.