Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of all members of this House to the human rights abuses suffered regularly by the Greek minority of southern Albania.
The persecution and oppressive policies of the past still continue despite the new government in Albania. Leaders of the Greek minority continue to be harassed, intimidated and charged unjustly. Freedom of religion, right to security of the person and the freedom of movement are effectively being denied to them.
I call on the foreign minister to conduct an inquiry of the human rights climate in Albania with particular focus on the status of the ethnic Greek minority. This inquiry should be viewed as a preventive measure against further destabilization in the Balkans.
Canada has always favoured peaceful and diplomatic solutions to resolve international conflicts. This government has an opportunity to play a major role by encouraging Albania to meet its international commitments and obligations.