Topi, Withers discuss political crisis

TIRANA, Nov 10 – President Bamir Topi met Tuesday with US Ambassador to Tirana John L. Withers II to discuss the existing political crisis and many other topics interesting to the country.
A presidential statement said that Topi and Withers discussed the political situation in the country, consolidation of the independent institutions, strengthening of the rule of law, the media situation and especially the problems noted recently in that aspect.
Withers and Washington are a top reference in the tiny Balkan country. Withers harshly denounced the beating of an editor last week and asked the court to play by the rules on the perpetrators. He also reminded Prime Minister Sali Berisha to keep his words on such an issue, the same he did last month on the immunity of the lawmakers, for which Berisha had also said they are considered lifted if asked by prosecutors.
“On his part Ambassador Withers shared the same opinion with the head of the state and stressed the interest of the American government on the political, economic development and situation of democracy in Albania considering our country as the greatest ally of the United States,” said the statement.