Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha announced on Thursday that the United States has lifted the “non grata” designation that had been imposed on him more than five years ago.

Berisha arrived at the Albanian Parliament smiling and laughing after receiving the news. He was welcomed in the parliamentary courtyard by four Democratic Party lawmakers, who later accompanied him into the building.

The development was confirmed by Berisha himself, although he declined to answer questions from journalists gathered outside Parliament. Upon entering the parliamentary chamber, he was greeted with applause from supporters and fellow party members.

“I came, it is done,” Berisha said briefly from the parliamentary podium, without providing additional details regarding the reported decision.

The former prime minister and current chairman of the Democratic Party had been subject to U.S. sanctions and a travel ban for more than five years. The reported removal of the designation marks a significant political development in Albania and could have important implications for the country’s opposition movement.

As of now, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana has not issued an official statement regarding the reported decision, and no further details have been made public.

Political observers are closely monitoring developments, as the move could influence Albania’s political landscape ahead of future electoral and institutional processes.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.