Greece names a convicted politician from Albanias ethnic Greek minority as candidate in EU election [Video]

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s governing conservative party added a convicted politician from Albania’s ethnic Greek minority to its list of candidates for the upcoming European Parliament election, adding to the already existing tension between the two countries.

Fredi Beleris was elected mayor of the town of Himare in southern Albania last year but was arrested on vote-buying charges and not sworn in. He was then handed a two-year sentence in March.

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The politician had denied the charges against him, and Greece’s government called his pre-trial detention unfair, threatening to block Albania’s attempt at joining the European Union.

The ruling New Democracy party made the surprise announcement late Monday, allowing Beleris to contest in the election which will take place between June 6-9 across the 27 member states. Greeks are expected to vote on June 9.

“The battle I am fighting is not personal. It is a battle for the …