Corruption, a top issue in Albania

TIRANA, Oct 26 – The recent progress report from the European Union mentioned that corruption in Albania remained a serious issue of concern despite efforts from the government to fight it.
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha insists that the fight against corruption is committed with zero tolerance from his cabinet.
But the opposition Socialists also insist that those words remain a show and directly accuse Berisha and his family of being involved in corruption cases.
Meanwhile, there is an increased pressure from the international community that Albania should commit a serious fight against corruption. They also mention the fact that two of the present governing cabinet members have been accused of corruption but released from the charges. They mention that former defense minister Fatmir Mediu and former transport minister Lulzim Basha were accused of murder but managed to evade prosecution for charges of negligence, murder and corruption.
Last week US Ambassador, John L. Withers, commented directly on Berisha’s words on such a fight.
Withers spoke last week at a Conference on Integrity.
“Elected and appointed leaders must lead with integrity,” he said. “Their decisions both directly and indirectly impact the lives of citizens in large and small ways.”
He referred specifically to the constitutional provisions in Albania giving immunity from criminal prosecution to members of parliament, judges, and other high governmental officials.
“Albania has moved forward and must now balance this protection against the absolute necessity to hold corrupt or otherwise criminally liable high officials accountable for their actions.”
He mentioned that some days ago, in speaking before the Helsinki Committee in the United States, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Stuart Jones said, “We continue to encourage the Government of Albania further to increase the support for independent judicial and prosecutorial institutions and the lifting of parliamentary immunity in relevant cases.”
He said that immunity should not provide a refuge for those facing criminal liabilities in the courts, nor an incentive for those being investigated by the courts to seek or keep high governmental positions.
That was clearly referring to the two above-mentioned cases.
The opposition harshly raised its voice, saying that Berisha has made a mockery of the concept of rule of law, and the words integrity and Sali Berisha do not belong together in the same sentence.
Withers also reminded Berisha that a few months ago he had said that, “Great efforts should be taken so that Albania demolishes the wall of immunity.”
“We can only applaud the Prime Minister’s view and sentiment in this area and we hope that his intentions become reality in the not-too-distant future.”