Albania's deal with Italy on migrants has been welcomed by many. But others are confused and angry
Some in the Western Balkans country saw it as reciprocation when the leaders of Albania and Italy announced a contentious agreement earlier this week to jointly process some asylum applications of migrants arriving by sea
SHENGJIN, Albania — When the leaders of Albania and Italy announced a contentious agreement earlier this week to jointly process some asylum applications of migrants arriving by sea, some in the Western Balkans country saw it as reciprocation.
Italy had welcomed thousands of Albanians fleeing poverty after the fall of communism more than three decades ago, and Albania's current government wanted to pay back the Italians' hospitality.
On Monday, Albania said it agreed to shelter thousands of migrants while Rome fast-tracks their requests seeking asylum in Italy, up to 36,000 a year. A memorandum between the countries says Italy would agree to remove migrants whose applications are rejected. The European Commission has requested more details.
The deal, which must be approved by Albania's parliament, already has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups, and it could backfire against Albania as it aspires to EU membership. Italy's left-wing opposition parties are protesting the deal.
Meanwhile, ordinary Albanians are divided.
Bib Lazri, 66, a resident of the northern Albanian village of Gjader, where one of two accommodation centers is set to be built, said he welcomed the move given the historical ties between the two countries.
“All my kids are abroad. They (the Italians) have welcomed us for 30 years now,” Lazri said. “It is up to us to say a good word, to keep them and show our open heart.”
In 1991, around 20,000 Albanians came on one dangerously overcrowded ship that reached the
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