The government head noted that the fact that such a deal is signed with a non-EU member state not only makes the headline news, but also stirs conspiracy theories and non-serious doubts.

“One should point out a very simple reason: It is true that Albania has yet to become a EU member state, but it is however a European nation, a neighboring country with Italy, and the deal wouldn’t have made the headline news if it was reached with a EU member. But the very fact that the agreement has been signed with a non-EU member not only it makes the headlines, but it also gives way to conspiracy theories and non-serious doubts. If one has to question the method, then we should all question the European Union as a whole and question the method of the EU member states, because building such reception centers is not something new at all,” Rama said.

According to him, it is about a migrant reception centre that is designed to meet all the required EU standards.

Rama noted that Albania is simply assisting a neighboring country with deep long-standing ties.

“On the other hand, I have to underline that it is not about 36 000 people, but a reception centre with a capacity to accommodate 3000 people,” Rama added.

The Premier underlined that it is not the only reception centre in Europe meets the same standards of similar centers in Greece.

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The Premier underlined in a TV interview this evening that this year Albania hosted nine million visitors of all nationalities, many of them visiting Lezha too.

The government head said that the area that will host the reception and screening center was not decided arbitrarily.

“A number of options have been explored if these areas meet dozens of criteria of logistical and security nature. Gjader was picked as the most suitable site also for the terrain where the migrants centre will be constructed, adjacent to the military base and the Gjader airfield,” Rama added.

According to him, “it is an operation with Albania offering just space and bearing no direct responsibility of whatsoever.”

“The entire operation will be handled by Italy. Due funds have been earmarked by the Italian state institutions,” he said.

According to Rama, the neighbouring Greece is home to a number of such migrant centres and the country’s tourism industry hasn’t been affected by them.

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