The election of the new director of the National Bureau of Investigation and the appointment of the new head of SPAK have set in motion two of the main embassies in the country: the US and the EU.
EU Ambassador Gonzato met with Mirela Bogdani, President of the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP), the institution that will make both of these decisions, and urged meritocracy.
Mirela Bogdani, President of the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP), to discuss the future work and key milestones expected, including the selection and appointment of the new Head of SPAK. The EU Delegation will closely follow this process, while continuing to support the entire judicial system in strengthening its independence, accountability and efficiency at all levels”, writes the EU in Albania in response.
"Mirela Bogdani, President of the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP), to discuss the future work and key moments expected, including the selection and appointment of the new Head of SPAK. The EU Delegation will closely follow this process, while continuing to support the entire judicial system in strengthening its independence, accountability and efficiency at all levels," the EU's response to Albania reads.
On the other hand, Nancy VanHorn, the head of the US embassy in Tirana, spoke alongside Altin Dumani at a conference against organized crime and demanded that his successor at the head of SPAK maintain the same integrity.
"Based on the law, Mr. Dumani, no matter how effective he has been, will be replaced, because his mandate has ended. The process of selecting Mr. Dumani's successor must be impartial, transparent and free from external influences. The United States expects integrity in the selection of the new Special Prosecutor; just as we expect for the selection of the next Director of the BKH," VanHorn said.
VanHorn reiterated the priority of the United States in the fight against criminal organizations and drug trafficking and praised the work of SPAK in this regard. She said that SPAK's work, in the fight against drug trafficking, has also addressed the phenomenon of illicit finance and money laundering.
"Our partnership with SPAK, built on a foundation of trust and engagement with our Department of Justice, demonstrates the impact of effective cooperation. Through this partnership, SPAK targets criminals here and in South America. A July investigation led to the criminal indictment of 16 suspects and the seizure of six tons of drugs worth 411 million euros. Last month, SPAK dismantled groups that were trafficking over 32 tons of cocaine from South America to Europe," VanHorn said.
When the KLP elected Altin Duman to head SPAK three years ago, U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim personally attended the meeting where the vote was taken.