Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha gave green light for Athens's decision to grant double citizenship to the Greek minority living in Albania, Makfax's correspondent reported.

"Greek Government's decision for granting double citizenship is acceptable for Albania", Berisha said Thursday, whose Government came under fire from both right- and left-wing opposition parties.

The second largest opposition party Alliance for Socialist Integration, led by the ex-Prime Minister, Ilir Meta, described the move as an attempt for shifting borders on the Balkans.

On the other hand, the Greek minority's Party for Human Rights hailed the decision. "The decision is fully compliant with the standards of the European Union", party's leader Vangel Dule said.

Tirana's media quoted Greek experts as saying that approximately 20.000 Albanian citizens, members of the Greek minority, will be issued Greek passports.

Local media commented that it is highly possible that large number of ethnic Albanians would also make an attempt to acquire Greek citizenship.