After the letter that the American Congressman Lee Zeldin sent in June of this year to the American Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, where he asked him regarding the "non-grata" declaration of the former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, the answer came from the US State Department. 

The response states that this action was finally taken because according to DOS, Berisha was involved in corruption during the time he was Prime Minister of Albania using his post. As for the facts related to this issue, it was said that there were international reports in the national and international media that confirmed this involvement. 

DASH's response to Congressman Lee Zeldin: 

Dear Mr. Zeldin

Thank you for your questions during the session and your letter of June 7 regarding the public announcement by the Secretary of State for the former President of Albania, the former Prime Minister of Albania and the current MP and former MP of Albania Sali Berisha under Article 7031 (c) of the Department of the State Appropriations, External Operations and Related Programs Act, 2021 (Section 7031 (c)) for its involvement in significant corruption during his time as a public official. President Biden and Secretary Blinken have made the fight against corruption globally a priority, using all the legal authorities at their disposal. Section 7031 (c) is a uniquely powerful tool that has been frequently used since its inception in 2008 because designations in accordance with it can be made public. As a legally binding authority, section 7031 (c) requires the Secretary, or his or her designee, to declare publicly or privately officials of foreign governments, as well as close family members, where available information credible that the official has been involved, directly or indirectly, in substantial corruption, as long as the qualifying acts occurred at the time the individual was a public official. 

Reliable information may include all classified or unclassified source information, including reliable media reporting, civil society reporting, Departmental and inter-institutional reporting, foreign government information, and any other source of information deemed reliable by Departments. Regarding the public announcement of Mr. Berisha, the Department can confirm that it has followed the established procedures to determine that he was involved in significant corruption at the time he was a public official. This includes a full and detailed review by all Department policy actors, including the relevant regional bureau, as well as a legal review by the Department Legal Adviser's Office. 

Finally, regarding the reason for his announcement non-grata, Mr. Berisha's involvement in significant corruption occurred during his tenure as Prime Minister of Albania and included misappropriation of public funds and interference in public processes, including the use of his power to his advantage; and for the enrichment of its political allies and members of his family at the expense of the trust of the Albanian public in their government institutions and public officials. Moreover, as the Secretary noted, Mr. Berisha's own rhetoric shows that he is willing to defend himself, his family members and his political allies at the expense of independent investigations, anti-corruption efforts and accountability measures. 

As you may know, some of Mr. Berisha's specific corrupt activities have been widely reported in the Albanian and international media and credible investigative reports. Thanks again for your interest in this designation and implementation by Section 7031 (c) Department. The Department looks forward to continuing to work with you to strengthen coordination and communication between the Department and Congress, including our shared interest in fighting corruption and identifying globally corrupt actors.