Tirana, American Senator: Concerned about Russian financing in Balkans

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen expresses concern for Russian financing in the Balkans. In an interview for Voice of America, during her visit to Tirana, Senator Shaheen praises partnership with Albania and says the United States should help it have a safe cyber structure so it can no longer be the target of summits from Iran or any other country. Mrs. Shaheen, a Western Balkan connoisseur, says the recent agreement between Belgrade and Moscow goes against the long-term interests of the Serbian people

Voice of America: Senator Shaheen, this is your second visit to the Balkans within six months. What's the point?

Senator Shaheen: It's my first visit to Albania and I will have to come back to see this beautiful place. I'm actually here to make sure people in Albania and the Western Balkans know that in the U.S. Senate we're paying attention to what's happening here. We are grateful for Albania's partnership and the work the United States and Albania have done over the years. This is the 100th anniversary of our relationship. And we highly appreciate Albania's support for the war in Ukraine. And helping the United States restore Afghan refugees. So I'm really here to help you remember everyone how important this partnership is to see how we can help from the United States.

Voice of America: In August, you and Republican Senator Roger Wuecker presented a bill promoting democracy in the Western Balkans to counter Russia's destabilising activities in this region. In a recent report, the American intelligence community mentions several political parties in the Western Balkans -- in Albania, Bosnia and Montenegro -- that they received funding from Russia. Do you have more data that you could share with us, on Russian financing, and how disturbing the situation can be?

Senator Shaheen: I don't have specific information about how much money they took. I'm so worried about her. As we look at Putin's unprohibited aggression in Ukraine, we know that one of the areas he has had interest in was the Western Balkans, the disinformation campaigns; we just saw a report of how much money, as you say, has been spent in trying to destabilise elections in Europe and the United States. We are also seeing how people are told lies, what is really happening, and if people don't have accurate information, they cannot make good choices. Therefore, we want to do everything we can and the goal of that law is to try and promote democracy in the Western Balkans and see how we can deal with Russian disinformation, see how we can support the reform efforts being made here in Albania and elsewhere in the region.

The Voice of America: One of the goals of the bill is to fight corruption, and you have proposed a return to law, both US executive orders for sanctions against individuals who threaten peace and stability and are involved in corrupt behavior. In Albania, we have the case of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who after the sanctions became more active in politics and currently leads the main opposition force. In view of this, how effective are these sanctions?

Senator Shaheen: Sanctions are just one of the tools we have in foreign policy to try to influence what happens and try to further progress towards democracy. And we also need to see the economic support that can be given. We need to see the diplomatic tools we have. We have a very active ambassador here and a very busy embassy with the Albanian government. And we have to help voters understand what the choices are. You know, we had some politicians in the United States who were convicted of crimes that were elected by humans. But usually, voters realise in the following elections that a politician is corrupt and does not act in the interest of voters. But if people don't have the information, if they don't know what choices they can make, and therefore the opposition is very important to explain what those elections are, so that voters know when they go to vote.

Voice of America: What is the current status of your bill?

Senator Shaheen: He has two-party support, so we're very optimistic. We expect a hearing somewhere during November after the middle school elections and hope it will pass by before the end of the year.

Voice of America: Serbia is the only country in the Balkans that has not joined sanctions against Russia. Last week, in New York, the chief of Serbian diplomacy signed an agreement with Russian counterpart Lavrov on foreign policy. In the past, the US have said that Serbia must set its mind, as it cannot play with two gates. What is your opinion of Serbia's behaviour?

Senator Shaheen: I think it's unfortunate and I think it's against the long-term interests of the people of Serbia. The fact is that the aspirations of Serbia's people are to look west, towards entry into Europe. They have applied for the EU and are working towards it. And they should be very concerned about the actions of Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. It's an unprotested fight of aggression. Every evening in the news in the United States and around the world, we see the terrible consequences of that war on the people of Ukraine, the mass graves that have been discovered, the torture rooms. We see the destruction of cities in that country and the effort to erase Ukraine's culture. Now, if Serbia is not careful, they may be next. This is one of the concerns about Russia's intentions in the Western Balkans. We know Vladimir Putin doesn't talk to stop if he does in Ukraine. But it's about re-creating the Russian Empire. That could be what the Soviet Empire had been. So, I think it's important for Serbia, for the whole of Europe, to take any action to highlight that Vladimir Putin is isolated, that he doesn't operate in the interest of international order, and we have to do everything we can to stop him.

Voice of America: Senate, let's talk about your visit to Tirana. What were your messages to Albanian politicians?

Senator Shaheen: As I said, it was to highlight the partnership and alliances that Albania and the United States have had in the areas where we work together; the 100th anniversary of our relations; the importance of Albania joining us in the struggle in Ukraine to support the Ukrainian people; the importance that Albania took Afghan refugees at a time when the United States withdrew and we were trying to help people who needed it; and Albania did the right thing; and we will try to help people in need. That was very important. And it is clear that we will continue to work on economic issues together, the fact that Albania has just approved two agreements to try to diversify the energy economy is very important to the hydro and liquid gas deal with two American companies. We appreciate that very much, and hopefully it will be useful both for the United States and Albania.

Voice of America: Albania is hosting close to 2 or 3 thousand members of the Iranian opposition, MEK, and perhaps that is why Iran retaliated by attacking its information infrastructure. Albania responded by severing ties with Iran, but, on its own, Albania is unable to face similar attacks in the future, especially when dealing with a state like Iran. Are you worried about that and is Albania getting the necessary assistance from the US?

Senator Shaheen: I'm worried. I repeat, I think Albania moved forward to take MEK Iranians at a time when they were being killed when they were in Iraq. And Albania said we will help and this is an important model for showing it to the rest of the world. And when they get attacked as a result, it's important that we act to help. And we brought in teams, FBI and other officials to help respond to cyberattack. But we have to do more. We have to help Albania to ensure that there is a safe cyber structure for the future so that it is not the target of either Iran or Russia or any other country.

Voice of America: One more question. After recent developments, Albanian authorities seem to disagree that their country will be used as a basis where MEK members will carry out their opposition fight. Prime Minister Edi Rama, has indicated that they have launched communications with them “to re-establish very clearly the framework in which the life of this group should develop in a territory where Albania has offered support to ensure life and health rather than their political movement”. What's your assessment?

Senator Shaheen: Albania will have to decide for itself. But, I think it's important to note that when Albania expelled Iranian diplomats, even the United States imposed sanctions and we have worked to address Iran's terrorist activities throughout the Middle East and throughout Europe. And we're gonna keep doing this.

Voice of America: Senator, thank you very much for this interview.

Senator Shaheen: Thank you. / VOA