In a statement on the “Off the Record” show on A2CNN, PDK leader Nard Ndoka announced that according to the information he has received, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha’s “non grata” status has been lifted.
“The news has just reached me. Sali Berisha’s ‘non grata’ status has been lifted. This is good news for the opposition as a whole and for our liberation,” Ndoka said during the interview.
He emphasized that this development, according to him, will positively affect the dynamics of the opposition and its relationship with citizen protests.
“It has been a significant obstacle for the opposition. Now we have a kind of liberation and the relationship with citizen protests will change,” he added.
Ndoka also argued that the opposition, according to him, has been under double pressure: from the programmatic positions and from the international relations of the Democratic Party, including the issue of “non-women”.
We recall that in May 2021, with the signature of Secretary of State Blinken, Sali Berisha and his family were declared ‘non grata’ in the United States of America for corruption and undermining democracy.
Announcement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken – May 19, 2021
“Today, I am announcing the public indictment of Sali Berisha, former President of Albania, former Prime Minister of Albania, and former Member of the Parliament of Albania, for his involvement in significant corruption. In his official capacity as Prime Minister of Albania in particular, Berisha was involved in corrupt acts, such as embezzlement of public funds and interference in public processes, including using his power for his own personal gain and to enrich his political allies 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 protect 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 reaffirming the need for accountability and transparency in Albania’s democratic institutions, government processes, and the actions of Albanian public officials.
This designation is made pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2021. In addition to Berisha, I am publicly designating his wife, Liri Berisha, his son, Shkëlzen Berisha, and his daughter, Argita Berisha Malltezi. These individuals are ineligible to travel to the United States.
“This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting political reforms that are essential to Albania’s democratic institutions. The United States continues to stand with the people of Albania. The Department will continue to use such authorities to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.”