FLASH
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If there are issues that need to be addressed by individuals, then those individuals must respect the law and follow the procedures...
The ambassador of the United Kingdom in Tirana, Alastair King-Smith did not spare the praise for SPAK, giving another strong blow to Sali Berisha.
The former prime minister has stated that SPAK acts politically, but internationals think otherwise. For the British ambassador, the most important work that the Special Prosecutor's Office is doing is that it is showing independence in the investigation of politicians from the government and the opposition.
“SPAK is an independent institution. They will have our full support to be able to fulfill their mandate. In fact, I am very pleased when I see that now we have seen ministers in office and former ministers and people from the opposition in the investigation. This shows that in fact the quality of the rule of law in Albania is really improving. People must begin to understand that no one can be immune from criminal prosecution and this is really important", said the British ambassador, not leaving unanswered another question that implicated the opposition, which is awaiting an eventual arrest of its leader Sali Berisha, following SPAK's request for the tightening of security measures.
Is the opposition weakened by this act? The ambassador did not comment politically on the clash between Berisha and SPAK or the expected act from the parliament, but he gave a message to everyone: "It is up to the institutions to implement their roles and make sure that they should be applied in the right way and in a fair and equal way, but of course, if there are issues that need to be addressed by individuals, then those individuals must respect the law and follow the procedures". said the British ambassador for the show "No Censorship" on RTSH.
interview
- Your attitude towards Mr. Berisha is known, but with the request for the arrest of the leader of the opposition, do you believe that there will be a weakening of the opposition in the future and do you care about that?
Look, it's up to the institutions to enforce their roles and make sure they're enforced properly and fairly and equitably, but of course if there are issues that need to be addressed by individuals, then those individuals should respect the law and follow the procedures.
- But when we talk about the law, there are many opinions that SPAK is applying double standards, differently for the government and differently for the opposition. It is softer for the government, tougher for the opposition. Have you noticed this?
We see that the progress made by the SPAK Special Prosecutor's Office is really impressive. I mean, this year, you've seen a variety of individuals, not only from the majority in government, but also from the opposition, so across the political spectrum. So we actually see that SPAK is playing the role it has, as it should. SPAK is an independent institution. It is appropriate that we all encourage them to fulfill their mandate, but also support them in this regard. They will have our full support to be able to fulfill their mandate. But in fact I am very pleased to see that now we have seen ministers in office and former ministers, and people from the opposition, and this shows that in fact the quality of the rule of law in Albania is really improving. More progress needs to be made and it needs to be done as you say so that everyone is subject to the rule of law and I think what is important is that people start to understand that no one can be immune from prosecution and that is really important.
- I hope so. Let me ask you a question that you are usually asked, although I do not expect any satisfactory answer from you. Is there another non grata list from the UK?
I have said all that I will be able to say on this, basically the process should be allowed to run its course and we will proceed with the policy that I have laid down.
- So there is?
As I have said before, the UK will take further action when it sees fit to do so and we will follow the procedures and it is up to ministers to make those decisions, but we cannot #39;I give you no more indication because it would not be appropriate to prejudge those decisions.
-And another clarification. There are rumors that the appointed Albanian ambassador in London has not yet received the agreement from your government to officially start work. How does the truth stand?
There is no doubt that a formal process is being followed to confirm the 'Agreement' for Ambassadors. I know that it is in process and I understand that the decision on this will be communicated very soon to the Government of Albania. I look forward to working with the new ambassador at the start of the new year to build a positive partnership for the coming year.
- So it's a matter of time?
So I think it will be heard very soon, I hope.
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