Central Committee of the Northern Epirote Struggle
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The Central Committee of the Northern Epirote Struggle (KEVA; Kentriki Epitropi Voreioepirotikou Agonos: Central; Greek: Κεντρική Επιτροπή Βορειοηπειρωτικού Αγώνα),[1] was an resistance faction composed of ethnic Greeks whose goal was to overthrow the regime of Enver Hoxha and seek the annexation of the Northern Epirus, which is located in southern Albania.
KEVA | |
---|---|
Κεντρική Επιτροπή Βορειοηπειρωτικού Αγώνα | |
Leaders | Panteleimon Kotokos (until 1969)[2] Stefanos Venakidhis Nikolaos Pagos Serafeimi-Visarion Tika |
Foundation | 1943 (during the German occupation of Greece) |
Dates of operation | World War II–era (during the German occupation of Greece; 1943 Cold War–era; 1948–1958 |
Motives | Annexation of Northern Epirus |
Ideology | Greek nationalism Anti-Albanian sentiment Anti–Hoxhaism |
Size | 7,300 |
Allies | Western bloc
Non-state allies: |
Opponents | Communist Albania |
Battles and wars |
KEVA was established during the World War II where Greece was still occupied by the Axis powers but played its role during the Cold War when the United States and its intelligence agencies attempted to contain the influence of communism in the region. The organization conducted various activities, including gathering information, providing support, and coordinating agent groups in Albania.[3]