Director of South-Central European Affairs at the US State Department, Colleen Hyland, said that corruption in Albania must be kept under control and this problem must be overcome with the help of SPAK (Special Prosecutor’s Office).

Hyland made the comments during the Economic conference for the Western Balkans held in Tirana.

She also emphasized that every country in the region should focus on entrepreneurship and investments, adding that the US and the EU will support them.

“Corruption is a big issue not only in Albania or the Balkans. This problem must be overcome with the help of SPAK. If the country overcomes corruption, it will integrate into the European Union and absorb investments. You must keep corruption under control and the various legal acts you make must be in line with the EU.

Corruption must be kept under control because laws must be updated and brought in line with EU standards. You need this focus and this determination and we will support you in this.

If Albania has to move forward, it cannot progress alone and we want to be Albania’s partner, the EU wants to be Albania’s partner. What we urge and encourage is for Albania to consider the quality of investments that may come its way.

I don’t think there is anything more motivating than entrepreneurs and business people who want to invest in this region and want to stay here with good jobs. These conferences are good and to move this forward”, said the U.S State Department official.