Albanian president visits Cham victims' monument, drawing Greek criticism

Albanian President Bajram Begaj has visited the Cham Victims' Monument in Konispol, southern Albania, in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Greece.

The monument commemorates the ethnic Albanians of the Cham community who were expelled from Greece during and after World War II. The Cham community alleges that around 2,900 Cham Albanians were victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing by Greek forces between 1944 and 1945.

Greece has condemned President Begaj's visit, describing it as a gesture of irredentism, implying a claim over Greek territory. Athens has long denied the allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing, asserting that the expulsions were a consequence of wartime activities and collaboration with the occupying Axis forces by some members of the Cham community.

The Party for Justice, Integration and Unity (PDIU), which advocates for the Cham community in Albania, has welcomed Begaj's visit. The PDIU stated that Begaj is the first Albanian president to honor the victims publicly, thereby acknowledging the historical grievances of the Cham community and seeking recognition for their suffering.

TemA