Athens in diplomatic spat with Tirana over demolition of ethnic Greeks' homes

A diplomatic spat has erupted between Athens and Tirana over a decision by local authorities in the Albanian town of Himara to demolish the homes of 19 ethnic Greek families in the predominantly ethnic Greek seaside holiday resort.

The Albanian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned the Greek ambassador in Tirana to give explanations over a statement by Athens on Sunday calling for a freeze on the demolition plans.

"We are following with great concern developments in Himara (Albania), where 19 families belonging to the Greek National Minority received notices according to which they have a deadline of five days to evacuate their homes, which are intended to be demolished," Greece's Foreign Ministry said in its statement on Sunday.

"It is unacceptable that Mayor [Gjergi] Gorοs, while executing a government policy, put his signature on notices for imminent demolition...