TIRANA, July 21 – Unconfirmed media reports say several MPs have received text messages by the U.S. embassy in Tirana, warning them about the personal consequences they will face in case they vote against the much-rumored justice reform.
“Whoever doesn’t vote the reform will face consequences. Tomorrow at 11.00 come to learn about the consequences,” reads the SMS allegedly sent by U.S. embassy officials to some MPs.
Reacting to allegations, Genc Pollo, an opposition Democratic Party MP said “if the diplomat’s text message is authentic, this is unacceptable act, a violation of Euro-Atlantic values and even counter-productive. It must be refused.”
Reports about the SMSs came after U.S. ambassador Donald Lu called on MPs to vote the reform individually even if their party leaders don’t support it.
Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta also claimed pressure by internationals over the reform.
“I will quit my duty as Parliament Speaker, I cannot stay in a parliament that votes through text messages and pressure on a reform they should vote based on their own conviction. Part of responsibility for this is even by internationals because they should have been clarified better,” said Meta, also the leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration, Albania’s third largest party.
Opposition Democratic Party MP and former economy minister Genc Ruli went further when he explained why he couldn’t vote the reform.
“I cannot vote [PM] Rama’s draft. We have an ambassador that is acting like a Prime Minister and a Prime Minister that is acting as an ambassador,” said Ruli earlier on Thursday just before political leaders reached a new deal breaking the deadlock.
The U.S. embassy has not commented on the allegations of using text messages to pressure MPs on voting one of the country’s most important reforms.
Earlier this week, the embassy issued a security message for July 21, warning U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations or gatherings that may take place in the lead up to or after the vote.
