The designation of former prime minister Sali Berisha and his immediate family members as “non-grata” was discussed on Monday at the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

While referring to the decision as “unexpected”, the Republican representative for New York’s 1st Congressional District, Lee Michael Zelden, called on the Secretary of State Antony Blinked to provide detailed information on the alleged corruptive affairs implicating Berisha and his family which led to his public designation.

Blinken responded that at the moment “there is nothing to be shared with the Committee” and invited Congressman Zeldin to address their inquiry to the Legal Affairs Office.

“In his case, we had a case that we developed through the normal process including our lawyers, and I would be happy, if it’s helpful, to share with you exactly what went in to that”, explained Blinken, before adding that he had “nothing specific” to share with the Committee.

“With regard to members (of Congress) please come to our office of legislative affairs and we’ll make sure that you get the information and second, with regards to the media, please come to the office of the spokesperson in public affairs and we’ll make sure that we are consistent with whatever other obligations or restrictions we have, we make information available,” responded the State Secretary.

Congressman Zeldin specifically asked Blinken if he’s been in contact with philanthrope George Soros, to which he responded negatively, but emphasized that he cannot exclude that for the entire department.