Rama Vows to Push Kushner-Linked Resort Despite 2-Site Project Protests
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 9
Rama Vows to Push Kushner-Linked Resort Despite 2-Site Project Protests
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 9
Summary
Thousands of protesters gathered again in Tirana as Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania will not back away from the Kushner-linked luxury development.
Work has already started clearing land in the Narta Lagoon nature reserve, even though Rama said no formal environmental impact assessment has begun because the 2-part project is still being designed.
The development would span protected coastal wetlands and Sazan island, with hotels, apartments, villas and a yacht marina; Albania's anti-corruption agency has also opened an investigation tied to the project.
Rama cast environmental criticism as misinformation and possible amplification from an Iranian cyber campaign, while saying he was not accusing individual protesters.
The dispute has widened beyond local protests, with the European Commission pressing Albania to comply with EU environmental law as the country pursues membership.