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Statements by London’s Western Balkans envoy Sir Stuart Peach that the UK is intensifying efforts to cut ties between politics, business and illegal activities both globally and in the Western Balkans, warning of declarations ‘non grata’ from Great Britain to Albania, were music to the ears of the American ambassador to our country, Yuri Kim.
Through a message on social networks, she said that the US welcomes this important decision.
“We welcome this important action by the UK. Those who have abused the public trust to enrich themselves and pervert the rule of law, in other words, those who have engaged in grand corruption and undermined democracy, must face justice. No one is above the law.” says Yuri Kim.
I have just returned from a visit to Tirana, Skopje and Podgorica, wrote Sir Peach earlier, where I received a strong and clear message from citizens of all walks of life, young people are leaving, driven by lack of opportunities and disillusioned. from entrenched corruption.
In Albania, with the Justice Reform, the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH), we have already entered a new stage and the United Kingdom is with you in this effort.
Some people, who previously felt untouchable, are now in prison. But there are others who continue to act as if they were unpunished for their violations and feel as if the law does not apply equally to everyone, he said while announcing the government’s decision.
“We as the United Kingdom are intensifying our efforts to break the links between politics, business and illegal activities both in the world and in the Western Balkans. Based on our Global Anticorruption Sanctions regime we have listed 27 individuals involved in serious corruption around the world.” said Sir Stuart Peach.
Without mentioning which are the sanctioned Albanian names, but stating that some public figures are supported by criminals, Peach adds:
“This week, we took injunctive actions against several Albanian individuals in connection with crime and corruption, widely publicized and documented. This is the first wave of a series of actions to encourage accountability and end impunity.”
Looking at the OSCE report on international monitoring of last year’s elections, it once again shows that vote buying and misuse of public funds continues to be a major problem in Albanian politics.
“As long as politicians are able to cooperate with criminals to buy votes, to blackmail and threaten voters, Albanian democracy will remain fragile and incomplete. Other changes as well as electoral reforms are now needed. For all of you in Albania and in the region who are fighting for reforms, I have a message for you” we will support you in your justice reform, which has helped remove corrupt officials and led to the prosecution of figures powerful”Peach said.
The UK’s message to all those involved in crime or corruption is this; promoting crime and corruption, whether in the Western Balkans or elsewhere, will not be without consequences and you will not be welcome in the United Kingdom, the message states.
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