The Macedonian minority in Albania has refused to recognize the country's census after authorities in Tirana announced that Bulgarians outnumber Macedonians three times, BGNES reports.
"We are preparing a joint declaration with the representatives of the Greek, Vlach and other minorities in which we do not recognize the results of the census. In it we will provide solid evidence that they are falsified, pure manipulation. We will submit it to all state and international institutions."
This was said by Vasil Sterjovski, chairman of the Macedonian Party for European Integration (PMEI).
The Bulgarian population in the country is 7,057 - 3,691 men and 3,366 women, according to the National Statistical Institute INSTAT.
The party and other Macedonian associations said they did not recognize the results, as did Greek associations.
According to the census, there are 2,281 Macedonians living in Albania - a 50% decrease compared to the 2011 census. Macedonian representatives in the country claim that "over 100,000 Macedonians live in Albania". Greek representatives also do not acknowledge the 23 485 persons of Greek ethnicity represented. They claim that about 400 000 Greeks live in the country, mainly settled in the south of the country.
The reaction of the Greek association 'Omonia' states that the figures on religious affiliation are a manipulation - the number of Orthodox Christians is also higher than that.
Accusations of falsified data were rejected by INSTAT director Elsa Dooley, who said the census was transparent and conducted according to international standards. | BGNES
