U.S. ambassador calls the parties to remove the incriminated

The U.S. Ambassador to Albania Mr. Donald Lu has spoken about the process of decriminalization. He said that all of the public institutions need to be decriminalized, including the courts.

The ambassador encouraged the actions of the Prosecutor General, against Mark Frroku and Tom Doshi.

“We value the actions that have been taken by the Prosecutor General, the parliament, the party leaders, and others. It is important to continue the decriminalization process that began with the agreement between the parties in December. We continue to encourage all political parties in Albania to remove any individuals that are involved in criminal or corrupt activities. We applaud the actions of the Prosecutor General, for bringing charges against the two MPs”

The ambassador said corruption in Albania is a problem that needs to be addressed.

“I think that the people in Albania, the government, the businesses, and others, would admit that there is a problem with corruption in Albania. It is a problem that needs to be addressed forcefully and systematically. When we think of corruption, we think of two different types – that of ordinary people paying to get services, or being asked to pay for services, or to get around rules. The other type is high level corruption. The current charges against members of the parliament are evidence that there is some progress in the idea that no one is untouchable, no one is above the law. We strongly support these efforts in politics, in the judiciary, in the public and private sectors, and everywhere that they exist.”

Mr. Lu was asked this question… “where in other Western European countries does the embassy of a friendly state interfere in the internal affairs of that State?”.  He answered:

“We are NATO allies… your strengths are our strengths. We don’t consider it to be interference. We consider it to be support for Albania’s efforts to build a stronger nation… its the act of a good friend and a strong ally. And in the same turn, we hope that when we need your support, Albanians will be honest with us about our society, and our shortcomings.”