Protests over Zvërnec, investment company reacts: We pledge to respect public processes

This response came after  REL approached the Kushner-linked company, Affinity Partners, following several days of protests in Albania against a tourism project in Zvërnec, near Vlora.

"Our focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental improvement, job creation and creating long-term value for local communities," Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, told Radio Free Europe.

"We are excited about the opportunity to create a world-class destination and realize one of the largest private investments in the history of the region," he added.

Protests in Zvërnec against construction work for a tourism project in the Pishë Poro-Nartë area, in southwestern Albania, began last week. The area is part of a protected landscape of national and international importance.

Protests continued on Tuesday in the capital Tirana, with calls for the cancellation of the project and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Local residents, citizens, and civil society representatives have raised concerns about the environmental impact, land ownership, and investment transparency.

Meanwhile, environmental protection organizations have also started collecting signatures through an online petition.

But Prime Minister Rama has defended the project and said that it will not stop as long as he is prime minister.

Rama also said that the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, has blocked a property transaction related to the project. SPAK has not publicly confirmed the blocking of any transaction.

SPAK confirmed on June 1 that it has launched an investigation into Zvërnec, but did not provide details on what exactly is being investigated.

The project has also garnered attention due to Kushner's previous statements. In March 2024, he said he intends to build hotels and hundreds of villas in the Zvërnec area.

Kushner's company received strategic investor status in December 2024 for the construction of a luxury resort on Sazan Island. The decision was made by the Strategic Investment Committee, headed by Rama.

Regarding Zvërnec, Rama said on Tuesday that Kushner "has not applied to be a strategic investor."/ REL

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