The first chapter of accession talks with Albania, which begins on Tuesday and concerns fundamental rights and the rule of law, must include both the rights of minorities, including the Greek ethnic minority, and in particular their property rights, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stressed upon his arrival at the intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg.

"The protection of fundamental rights lies at the heart of the European Union's values," according to the conclusions of the EU General Affairs Council on Enlargement.

In an atmosphere of intense emotional charge, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed a greeting to members of the Greek ethnic minority who gave him an enthusiastic welcome on the beach of Heimarra.