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"Berisha is a thing of the past", Escobar warns: Risk of using anti-American feelings for personal political gains

2023-04-13 22:33:18Politikë SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
"Berisha is a thing of the past", Escobar warns: Risk of using
Gabriel Escobar

Gabriel Escobar, the envoy of the United States for the Western Balkans, visited Albania and met with the main leaders, President Begaj, Prime Minister Rama, DP chairman Alibeaj and PL chairman Ilir Meta.

Then he gave an interview to Top Channel on the show Top Story. Mr. Escobar spoke about the reasons for his visit to Albania.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar:My visit here is absolutely not related to local elections. It is part of the regular consultations we have with close allies. And Albania is a close ally. I must say that as far as the Kosovo-Serbia issue is concerned, what we have in this new Normalization Agreement is a historic agreement for friendly, constructive relations between two partners who have not had much trust. That agreement, which was made possible by the European Union, supported by the United States, was supported in almost every aspect by the countries of the region. The negotiations took place in North Macedonia and would not have happened without their support. But it was also supported by the governments of Albania and Croatia and others in the region. And we see a very important role for Albania in regional stability.

Escobar spoke about the relations between the two countries, saying that the Americans are the most pro-Albanian country in the world and expressed his support for the Open Balkans initiative and for the European integration of Albania.

The current topic of the day, the local elections, was the focus of the interview that Mr. Escobar gave to Top Channel.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar: Look, I think all political parties have an obligation to the people to make sure that the candidates are not corrupt, that they have the people's interests at heart. We are not able to select candidates or members of political parties. Our relationship with Albania is with the people of Albania, not with a party and not with a person. So in that regard, when you ask whether there will be a reaction from the United States if the parties are not clean, if the candidates do not meet the highest anti-corruption standards and all other democratic standards, the reaction should come from the people. , not from the United States. This is a job for the people of Albania, not for the United States.

While Sali Berisha has appeared on the battlefield of the electoral race, the United States of America describes him as a representative of the past. Mr. Escobar ruled out any possibility of revising the 'non grata' status for Berisha.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar : First of all, I think our position on this particular individual is very clear. But I would say that I don't know of a single person who through the election has managed to change the determination of their position by the State Department according to our legislation. Yes, having said that, I think that Albania has a really extraordinary future and should focus on the future. And there are many people who would like to drag it back to the past and I don't think this is a place where Albania wants to go.

Escobar says that it is up to Albania's institutions to investigate corruption and prosecute it wherever they can. And this is the reason why justice reform is so important, because according to him it is not up to America to do this work on behalf of the Albanian people.

And any government, be it this or its successor, has an obligation to the people to ensure that this happens.

The American envoy for the Balkans did not comment on the McGonigal case, which is under investigation in the United States, but spoke about the Russian money.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar: The one thing that is very true is that Russia interferes in democratic elections all over Europe, not only here, but also in Western Europe, in the United States as well. And there are people who are willing to accept Russian money in the name of advancing Russia's agenda, which is not a positive agenda for this part of the world. I would just say that we need to continue to discuss this and be very clear with each other about what the expectations are and share information, when we see, what Russia is doing in this part of the world, because it ( Russia) does not share the same goals as the United States and Europe for the Western Balkans. We are trying to create greater inclusion. We are trying to create a way that these countries, including Albania, to become members of transatlantic organizations, including the European Union. Russia is doing the exact opposite. So we are very skeptical about anything Russia does in the political and economic sphere.

Gabriel Escobar has defended Ambassador Yuri Kim who is under a personal attack by the declared 'non grata' Sali Berisha.

Escobar said that what the US ambassador is doing is exactly what the Secretary wants to do. "It's not something personal. It is a matter of politics. I think everyone should recognize this," he says.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Escobar: I think there is a danger that there are people who are using anti-American sentiments for personal political gain, and that does not help our strategic interest or yours. So, I would be very, very suspicious of anyone pushing or pushing anti-American lines, because everything we've done, especially in the last two years, has been to deepen the strategic relationship between the United States and Albania. . And I must say that Albania occupies a very privileged position in our foreign policy. We have consulted with you and you have been part of almost every global event because of your partnership with the United States. And we have been helped to advance our values ​​and goals in Europe by our partnership with Albania, not only in NATO or the United Nations Security Council, but also bilaterally. So, I would say that anyone who preaches any kind of anti-Americanism does not actually have Albania's interests in mind.


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