Tirana, US Embassy: We don't commit ourselves to the definition of major corruption.

In Tirana, the US Embassy reiterated today that it has no relationship with persons who were previously designated by the State Department, clearly referring to former Prime Minister and Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha.

This stance follows a series of meetings that were loaded with work at the US Embassy, Nancy VanHorn, has had with opposition representatives.

Through a statement distributed on social networks, she stresses that “remains our former position that we are not engaged with individuals designated for involvement in major corruption”.

Mrs. VanHorn announced that in meetings with opposition representatives, he has heard their views on the challenges facing the Albanian people, concerns about the upcoming electoral environment, and how Albania can build a better future”.

She underlined that a healthy <x0 opposition is part of the critical importance of a living democracy” and urged all sides “to engage constructively in a political process that is equal to all”.

In May 2021, Mr. Berisha was determined by the US “s involved in major corruption”. The US State Department statement stressed that, especially as Albanian prime minister, Mr Berisha “has been involved in corrupt actions, such as misuse of public funds and interference in public processes, including using power for personal gain and enriching political allies and family members at the expense of Albanian public confidence in government institutions and public officials“.

The UN statement also noted that its “retoric shows that he is willing to defend himself, members of his family and political allies at the expense of independent investigations, anticorruption efforts and accountability measures”.

In July 2022 and London decided not to allow former Prime Minister Berisha's entry into the United Kingdom due to links to organised crime groups, “which he is willing to use for corrupting enrichment of himself and the circle of people close to him, as well as to realise his own political ambitions”.

For his part, Mr. Berisha has rejected these qualities, calling them sponsored by Prime Minister Edi Rama, and has made some unsuccessful efforts with lawyers to bring them down through court processes in Paris and London.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Berisha has been charged by the SPAK under suspicion of corruption on the issue of privatising the Partizan club -- a process that is pending to be dealt with by justice. / VOA