The former American ambassador, Alexander Arvizu, says that the decision to choose political leaders in Albania, whether those in the government or the opposition, belongs to the Albanian citizens, referring to the declaration of Sali Berisha ‘non grata’ and the sanctions of some politicians and businessmen in the country.

In an interview for Euronews Albania, Arvizu said that internationals, the US and the EU cannot interfere in internal political issues, such as the election of political leaders.

According to him, for every American ambassador, it is important to show respect for Albanians.

“First, I no longer represent the government and I do not have access to the official information that leads to these decisions. For me, when I was ambassador and for every American ambassador, it is important to show respect for Albanian citizens. Albanians know and understand very well what it means to be respected. Respect must be shown in everything you do.

Even if a decision that is made is not the right one, people understand its significance. As for the opposition, I think it is more important for the citizens to understand that, whoever you choose as a political leader, between the government and the opposition, it is not a decision that belongs to Washington, nor to the governments of the EU member countries, but a decision for Albania. This must be understood very clearly, it is your opposition, it is also your government. I think that the responsibility of friendly governments like the USA and the EU, because America is interested in Albania, be it Democrats or Republicans. I think it is appropriate to give a respectful opinion, but these kinds of decisions, about who is in the opposition and who is in the government, belong to Albanian citizens”, he emphasized.