The US has banned the entry of former Prime Minister Berisha and his family. Through a post on Twitter, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that Berisha undermined democracy in the country.
The decision was taken on Wednesday under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Act. The Section gives the US Secretary of State the power to implement a lifelong ban on entering the US for corrupt officials.
“ Former President of Albania Sali Berisha’s corrupt acts undermined democracy in Albania. I am designating Berisha and his immediate family members as ineligible for entry into the United States. We remain united against corruption with our partners in Albania.”
Meanwhile, Blinken writes on the website of the State Department that during his rule, Berisha has committed major acts of corruption where he and his family benefited.
“In his official capacity as Prime Minister of Albania in particular, Berisha was involved in corrupt practices, such as misappropriation of public funds and interference in public processes, including the use of his power to his advantage and to enrich allies. his politicians and members of his family at the expense of the Albanian public’s trust in their government institutions and public officials.
Moreover, his rhetoric shows that he is willing to defend himself, his family members and his political allies at the expense of independent investigations, anti-corruption efforts and accountability measures. “With this determination, I am reconfirming the need for accountability and transparency in the democratic institutions of Albania, government processes and the actions of Albanian public officials”, writes Blinken./abcnews.al
