"Everything was done in a proper and effective way so that Albania will proceed with ratification of the agreement on the delineation of the continental shelf. Its content is based on international law and the Law of the Sea, allowing for bilateral and broader cooperation. Of course, Greece's position is for it (agreement) to be put into effect as soon as possible," Droutsas said.
He attributed the delay in ratification by Tirana to "Albanian domestic processes, which we ought to respect."
Droutsas pointed out that the delineation of the continental shelf will strengthen bilateral cooperation even more and assist in the neighbouring country's EU accession course.
Moreover, he flatly dismissed criticism that Greece is reluctant to proceed with the settlement due to Turkish threats.
"The government's target is to delimitate the sea zones with all its neighbours. A serious and systematic work is being done on behalf of the ministry of foreign affairs, and I need to make it clear that it did not start today. The preceding government was also active in this field because this is a common goal," he stressed.
"The process is difficult but necessary because by settling the issue we seek regional stability, and I don't mean our relations with Turkey".
In a related development amid a flurry of recent press reports and speculation over mineral resources, particularly claims of oil and gas deposits in the Aegean, Droutsas merely pointed out that the issue needs to be studied seriously.
His statements came in response to a tabled question by opposition Popular Orthodox Rally (Laos) MP Vaitsis Apostolatos, who cited the lack of ratification by Tirana of the agreement, which was signed in April 2009.
(ANA)
