Speaking during a meeting with local residents, Rama said the government and other state institutions had no authority to determine ownership rights.

“There may well be incorrect or unjust property restitutions, but that is not for the government or any administrative institution to decide. Only the courts can determine ownership,” Rama said.

He said private land transactions were a matter between investors and registered owners, adding that the state’s role was limited to verifying ownership documents and agreements submitted through official procedures.

Referring to previously announced investment interest in the Sazan Island and Zvërnec area, Rama reiterated that while Sazan involves the Albanian government, land on the mainland opposite the island is privately owned and subject to agreements between investors and landowners.

Rama also said funds linked to one land transaction had been frozen due to an investigation involving a seller, although the transaction itself had been allowed to proceed.

He added that any competing ownership claims would ultimately have to be settled in court before potential beneficiaries could gain access to the funds.

/gj.m/r.e/u.sh/