US Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim said in an interview with the Voice of America that the decision for the explusion of Sali Berisha from the Democratic Party parliamentary group was taken by Chairman Lulzim Basha. She said Basha must assume responsibilities for his actions.

Basha took the drastic decision after pressure from the US Embassy to dissociate with Berisha, after the former President and Premier of Albania was banned from entering the United States on grounds of significant corruption. He filed a lawsuit at the Correctional Court in Paris, France, against US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and called for making public the proof against him. Basha decides to expel Berisha until the Correctional Court of Paris gives a verdict on the matter and said he was forced into taking such a decision, hinting at a non-negotiable request from the American party.

Asked what would have happened had Basha not taken his decision, Ambassador Kim said Albanian leaders are free to take decisions and must take on their responsibilities.   

“This is a free country. It’s a NATO ally. And its leaders must take on responsibilities for their actions. Regarding the United States, our position has been very clear from the start considering certain persons. I have nothing else to add on the matter”, Kim said.