The Chairman of the Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha reacted through a post on his Facebook account, expressing his regret after the decision of the U.S Department of State, declaring former PM Sali Berisha persona non-grata.

Basha pointed out that Berisha is an Albanian leader that has given his valued contribution in the country’s development and the strengthening of democracy, while elevating the friendship and strategic alliance between Albania and the US to higher levels.

“During the time that Mr. Berisha served as Prime Minister, Albania fulfilled all the necessary reforms for the NATO membership, as well as the acquisition of the status of candidate state in the European Union, at a time when the war against corruption and organized crime were amongst the key conditions. During all these achievements, the key partner of the Albanian government was the United States of America,” wrote Basha.

According to the leader of the Democrats, today’s decision of the US Secretary of State, doesn’t impinge on Albania’s achievements when under the leadership of Sali Berisha and the continued relations between the Democratic Party and the United States.

“We consider the US our most important strategic ally to Albania, and the war against organized crime and corruption as our absolute national priority.

The Democratic Party is determined to continue without making any compromises, to fight the war against corruption and organized crime, that serves our democracy, the rule of law, the transparency and the welfare of Albania and the Albanian people,” said Basha.