HOT NEWS/ Smuggled stones hidden in cocaine containers are discovered!

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

2026-10-28 18:48:00Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Scenes from the protests in Tirana

Two Republican congressmen in the US have sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing concern about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Albania.

They are asking the US administration to consider imposing visa restrictions on Albanian officials involved in significant corruption, Fox News reports .

The letter was drafted by Congressman Joe Wilson, Republican from South Carolina, and Keith Self, Republican from Texas and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe.

In the document, the two congressmen emphasize that the United States has invested significantly in justice reform in Albania, but warn that the progress achieved remains fragile and risks being reversed.

They urge the State Department to consider using section 7031(c) of the US legislation, which provides for restrictions on entry into the US for foreign nationals about whom there is credible information of involvement in significant corruption. The measures could also extend to immediate family members of persons designated under this mechanism.

The congressmen also seek information on US support for justice reform and on the cooperation of the US Embassy in Tirana with Albanian authorities in protecting protesters and journalists. They have requested a response from the US administration by November 5.

An important part of the letter relates to the case of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. According to the Fox News article, the congressmen are requesting information on developments in her case, following investigations into allegations of interference in public procurement procedures for road construction.

Albanian prosecutors asked the parliament to lift Balluk's immunity to allow her arrest. However, the request did not receive the necessary approval. Prime Minister Edi Rama had opposed the request, calling it unconstitutional.

Wilson and Self argue that anti-corruption institutions must be able to operate without political interference and that political protection of officials under investigation can hinder their functioning. The allegations against Balluk remain matters that must be assessed within the framework of legal proceedings and do not in themselves constitute evidence of guilt.

The article also reports on protests in Tirana, where demonstrators have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protests have been accompanied by clashes with police and incidents near state institutions and the headquarters of the Socialist Party.

Rama has rejected calls for his resignation and proposed dialogue with protesters. He has also alleged that foreign interests seek to obstruct Albania's path to the European Union, Fox News reports.

Joe Wilson told Fox News that there is concern in Congress about the situation in Albania and how authorities are responding to citizens demanding accountability. He also raised concerns about corruption and alleged links between officials and drug trafficking.

The article also includes assessments by former Albanian ambassador Agim Nesho, who compares the situation in Albania to the anti-corruption protests in Serbia and links the intensification of demonstrations to demands for more political accountability.

Albania has been a candidate country for membership in the European Union since 2014. While justice reforms and the fight against organized crime have made progress, allegations of corruption and political clashes remain important issues in the debate on European integration.

Dokumenta bashkëngjitur


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×