Ambassador Yuri Kim's strong message to Berisha and Albanian politics: We want clean candidates in the elections, plenty of buying and selling of votes, the corrupt are a threat to the security of the USA

The ambassador of the United States of America in Tirana, Yuri Kim, yesterday sent a strong message to Albanian politics regarding the local elections of May 124, while the diplomat also launched a torpedo at the address of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, declared "non grata" by the US State Department for corruption and undermining of Democrats. A few days ago, Ambassador Kim held meetings with the political class and warned them to be careful with candidates. But yesterday, the US embassy in our country issued a statement with the same appeal. According to the embassy, ??on May 14, Washington expects to see candidates with no criminal record. It is also required to end the sale and purchase of votes. "After 50 days, on May 14, Albania will hold nationwide local elections. We call on all political parties and institutions to ensure that election activities are carried out in accordance with Albanian law and international standards. Following the April 2021 parliamentary elections, the ODIHR report outlines areas where continued progress has been made, as well as gaps. In particular, there were credible reports of vote buying, pressure on voters and misuse of state resources and personal data. The United States calls on the government, parties and state institutions to implement the ODIHR's recommendations," the embassy writes. the ODIHR report outlines areas where continued progress has been made, as well as gaps. In particular, there were credible reports of vote buying, pressure on voters and misuse of state resources and personal data. The United States calls on the government, parties and state institutions to implement the ODIHR's recommendations," the embassy writes. the ODIHR report outlines areas where continued progress has been made, as well as gaps. In particular, there were credible reports of vote buying, pressure on voters and misuse of state resources and personal data. The United States calls on the government, parties and state institutions to implement the ODIHR's recommendations," the embassy writes.

War against corruption

The embassy's response also mentions President Biden's decree, describing corruption as a threat to US security, a message that goes directly to former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, declared "non grata" by DASH. For this reason, the embassy has requested an election process as fair as possible, away from corruption and pressure. "As Ambassador Kim recently discussed with party leaders, political parties must ensure that election campaigns and activities are conducted in a fair, orderly and transparent manner. Leaders must ensure that their lists of candidates meet the requirements of the law, as well as the expectations of Albanian citizens for clean candidates with high integrity. President Biden's Anti-Corruption Strategy identifies the unique threat corruption poses to our democracy and national security. The United States strongly supports the demand of the Albanian people for a strong democracy. We urge all leaders and institutions to continue to improve Albania's electoral processes and ensure that Albania moves forward on its democratic path", the embassy underlines. However, it remains to be seen whether the statements will be listened to by the political class or whether the same scheme will follow, that after taking the mandate, many of the mayors will be convicted. We urge all leaders and institutions to continue to improve Albania's electoral processes and ensure that Albania moves forward on its democratic path", the embassy underlines. However, it remains to be seen whether the statements will be listened to by the political class or whether the same scheme will follow, that after taking the mandate, many of the mayors will be convicted. We urge all leaders and institutions to continue to improve Albania's electoral processes and ensure that Albania moves forward on its democratic path", the embassy underlines. However, it remains to be seen whether the statements will be listened to by the political class or whether the same scheme will follow, that after taking the mandate, many of the mayors will be convicted.

Ja mesazhi që ambasadorja Kim i dha politikës më 8 mars

Ndërkohë gazeta “SOT” po sjellë më poshtë edhe mesazhin që ambasadorja e SHBA në Tiranë, Yuri Kim iu dha drejtuesve të Partisë Socialiste, Damian Gjiknuri; Partisë Demokratike, Enkelejd Alibeaj dhe Partisë së Lirisë, Ilir Meta. “Shteti duhet të garantojë të drejtën për të zgjedhur lirisht dhe në fshehtësi. Çdo formë presioni për të zbuluar nëse dhe si kanë votuar njerëzit duhet të parandalohet; Agjencitë ligjzbatuese duhet të intensifikojnë përpjekjet për të identifikuar, hetuar dhe ndjekur penalisht rastet e blerjes së votës. Qytetarët duhet të nxiten të raportojnë dhe të japin fakte për çfarëdo blerje votash apo presioni; Shqipëria duhet të garantojë sigurinë e të dhënave personale të qytetarëve. Institucionet përkatëse duhet të hetojnë tërësisht dhe të ndëshkojnë çdo shkelje që ndikon në besimin e publikut në procesin zgjedhor; Legjislacioni duhet të ndryshohet për të siguruar që mediat të jenë në gjendje të mbulojnë në mënyrë të pavarur aktivitetet e konkurruesve në zgjedhje me synimin për të kufizuar përdorimin në lajme të materialeve të prodhuara nga partitë”, deklaroi ambasadorja Kim, shkroi ambasada e SHBA në rrjetet sociale më 8 mars të këtij muaji.