Journalist Mentor Kikia spoke while on the panel of Ilva Now, about what all Albanians need to understand by the letter declaring Sali Berisha non-grata, including the people that are currently in power.

Kikia said that the US Department of State has written a very long letter, something which isn’t their usual practice, when declaring someone ‘non-grata’. This is why, according to the journalist, this letter contains certain messages that should be looked at carefully, beyond the fact of barring Berisha and his family from entering US soil.

“The fact that they have included explanations, means that a package of messages has arrived in Tirana, not a simple notice for Berisha’s ban from the US,” he said.

Mentor Kikia made a list of some key points contained in this letter, amongst which he mentioned corruption, transparency in the justice system as well as USA’s determination in using punishing methods for people abusing the above-mentioned criteria.

“Even though it is only half a page, this letter is so long for Albanian politics that it will be read by everyone, from the Head of State, all the way to judicial bodies; Here, they speak on corruption, on people that don’t want to let the justice system investigate, on the lack of sentencing, they speak on USA’s determination in continuing the reforms and to use similar methods in order to pave the way for accountability,” said Kikia.

Kikia also added that the General Prosecution in the country has been in front of Sali Berisha during all these years, with his good things and his shortcomings and they haven’t taken any action, which is embarrassing for them.

“This is a political de-ranking for Berisha, if the Prosecution takes this letter and uses it to open up an investigation, it will be the embarrassment of Albanian Justice, because they have had Berisha here this whole time, with his good things and bad things,” stated Kikia.