Delays keep Albania’s Washington ambassador post open

TIRANA, Nov. 1 – Albania’s ambassador seat in Washington remains open five months after the mandate of the current ambassador ended.
The diplomatic vacuum is really puzzling, considering the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Aleksander Sallabanda’s term ended four months ago and the procedures to replace him have been fruitless until now. He continues to keep the post for now.
Deputy Foreign Minister Edith Harxhi told Shqip newspaper that the president had sent his credentials only a few days ago and such procedure could continue for up to three months.
Gilbert Galanxhi has been proposed by the premier for the Washington post, approved by the parliamentary committee and also decreed by the president. But he has yet to work in the post.
In June the Foreign Ministry named another person for the post, Spiro Koci but his candidacy was turned down, and no one could say the reasons or where it was turned down.
Then, the candidacy of Galanxhi came in.
A similar situation is happening with the OSCE post too.