Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha announced that the United States has lifted the travel ban imposed on him and his family in 2021. This measure had previously marked a personal diplomatic break between the former leader and Washington.
In a statement released Friday, the former president and prime minister indicated that his situation had been reviewed by the U.S. State Department, leading to the lifting of travel restrictions.
The initial ban was imposed by US authorities amid corruption allegations. Washington accused Sali Berisha, a major political figure in the Balkans and former leader of post-communist Albania, of misappropriation of public funds and the use of his influence to favor relatives.
According to the head of the Albanian Democratic Party, this decision represents the correction of a measure he considered unjustified. He stated that he and his family can now travel to the United States again.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that waivers had been granted in several cases previously covered by a designation. These adjustments were reportedly made in the national interest, but no further details were provided regarding the specific reasons for lifting the ban on Sali Berisha.
This announcement comes amid a sensitive political climate in Albania, where Sali Berisha remains an influential figure despite the controversies that have marked his career. The country, a NATO member, maintains close relations with the United States, a key partner in diplomatic and security matters.
The American decision could therefore have internal political repercussions, particularly in view of the next electoral cycles, where the opposition seeks to strengthen its position against the government in power.
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