Athens wants clarification on Albanian ban on Greeks

Greece has urged Albania to abstain from actions that fuel tension in bilateral relations after the Foreign Ministry in Tirana labeled 52 Greek nationals personae non gratae and banned them from entering the Balkan country.

The 52 were among hundreds who attended the funeral on Thursday of an ethnic Greek who was fatally shot in a gun battle with Albanian police last month.

"At this sensitive juncture we expect Albania to refrain from statements and actions that strain our relations," the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that it expected Albanian authorities to clarify the reasons for their decision.

"We remain dedicated to building bonds of trust; however we expect the same of our neighbors," it said.

Earlier Friday, Albania's Foreign Ministry alleged that the 52, who were not identified by name, participated in "extremist events" against...