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Although he appreciates Albania's role in NATO, he emphasizes that the excellent military partnership does not serve as an "amnesty" for failures in the rule of law.
American investments through new laws aim to strengthen institutions and markets to avoid the creation of new oligarchies in the region.
This was stated in an interview for Ilva Tare's "Balkan Debrief" program, part of the Atlantic Council institute, by American Congressman from Ohio, Mike Turner, currently head of the US delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Although he appreciates Albania's role in NATO, he emphasizes that the excellent military partnership does not serve as an "amnesty" for failures in the rule of law.
According to him, Tirana must prove that institutions are stronger than corrupt individuals.
Is a new American approach being seen for the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue?
I think in both cases there needs to be a renewed commitment from the leaders. Of course in Washington there is a disappointment with their commitment to the EU. There was an expectation for some implementation of agreements that did not happen.
I think we need a greater commitment that currently does not exist. I think the role of the United States is very, very important and I think the United States is engaged in this process.
Does the association of municipalities with a Serb majority remain a non-negotiable condition?
Kosovo had shown that it would implement it. It was not something imposed. And there was a statement that there was an agreement. So, it is still a condition for Pristina. This was declared by Kosovo as an agreement.
But I'm sure Prime Minister Albin Kurti has a different opinion on this. I suppose it will depend on the moment he announces it... We'll see how the dialogue format will handle this issue.
How is security cooperation with Albania ahead of the NATO Summit in 2027?
Very good. She is an excellent NATO partner.
Can corruption and organized crime affect Albania's security?
I think it's a great partner. All the nations that are in the Balkan region have problems to solve, but I think they're addressing them.
How much influence does Washington have in protecting the independence of judicial reform in Albania?
Well, let's go back to all the issues in the Balkans: the international community is the main partner for building democratic institutions, because as nations see both the EU and NATO as partners, I think that helps the whole region. And that certainly applies to Albania.
Do you think Kosovo's membership in NATO is possible soon?
I think that, when you look at each of the countries in the region, the importance of setting the EU and NATO as a target lies in the fact that the “to-do list” is the same for everyone: reform packages, government reforms, security reforms, and democratic reforms.
Every country needs to achieve these to ensure economic stability and security stability. I believe that this process is beneficial for the region, because it strengthens the security, sovereignty and economic development of the countries. Overall, this is a very positive approach for the Balkans.
What is the real interest of the US in the Balkans, is it merely transactional?
Not really, because if you look at it as a whole, the US interest in the area has only been peace and development for the region. But the US interests in the region cannot be reduced to trade alone.
We have important interests in this region beyond peace and prosperity in the region. Building democratic institutions, building stability in the area is the legacy of many American administrations. You certainly see that in this administration as well.
Do American investments risk creating a new generation of oligarchs in the region?
I think institutions are extremely important because they ensure the continuity of democratic principles. And I believe that having strong and independent institutions goes hand in hand, but they also ensure the continuity of development and certainly its spread.
So, I think the goal is not the concentration of capital, but the distribution of capital and the growth of democratic principles and institutions that promote democracy.
How will these investments be channeled: through state funds or the private sector?
I think we want to encourage trade and capital as well. This ensures their longevity and that we will have continuity of contact and communication between the United States and the Balkan region. It is not just an engagement between governments. It has to be market to market and economy to economy.
Ne Shqiperi nuk zbatohet. Ligji nuk zbatohet.Kushtetuta Jane shjelur Rende te Drejtat themelore te njeriut. Kete e kame me prova te pa kontestushme. Ju Jape te dreje te verifikoni cfare me ka Bere.Drejtesia ne Shqiperin. Me eshte mohuar cdo e drejte. Vetem nje te Drejte kame.Por kete te Drejte e kam vetem nga Zoti. Vetem Marim Fryme dhe asnje Gje tjeter. Jam Penge si Trunge Familjare!