The Prime Minister of Greece Kiariakos Mitsotakis has warned from Tirana that in order to take steps for Albania's EU membership, elected Himara Mayor Fredi Beleri must be sworn in even if he is in custody. 

For the Greek media ERT, he said that he supports the perspective of the Balkans' membership in the EU, but adds that this requires countries to make important adjustments. 

He stated that the only principle that is non-negotiable for the European Union, and therefore for Greece, is respect for the rule of law. 

"At the Summit of the Berlin Process in Tirana, Greece supports the perspective of the membership of the Western Balkans. This path is difficult and requires the countries of the Western Balkans to make important adjustments to the European 'acquis'. 

And of course, the only principle that is non-negotiable for the European Union, but also for Greece, is respect for the rule of law. 

Unfortunately, in recent months, Albania has made important concessions on this issue. I am specifically talking about the case of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who has been in custody for five months. 

I emphasize that I respect the independence of the Albanian judiciary. I have no desire to interfere with how it works. But I want to emphasize categorically that Fredi Beleri has the right to swear as mayor of Himara, even if he is in custody. 

The solution of this issue is a necessary condition for Greece to take the next step and accept the start of the negotiation process between Albania and the European Union. And I hope and wish that this problem will be solved in a spirit of cooperation and good humour, without further overshadowing the relations of the two states", he said to the Greek media, ERT.