The Embassy of the United States of America in Tirana has responded to News24’s inquiry regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statements that Parliament has no urgency to review SPAK’s request to lift the immunity of suspended Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.
The US Embassy states that the independence of justice institutions is essential in cooperation between the two countries.
“The independence of justice institutions in Albania remains essential to continued cooperation between the United States and Albania in the fight against international crime ,” the US embassy says.
But the US diplomatic mission has avoided direct comments regarding Balluku’s immunity, considering it a matter under investigation.
“We have no comment on pending legal matters.”
A day ago, a reaction came from Brussels regarding Rama’s statements regarding the Balluku issue.
“It is the responsibility of the Albanian Parliament to deal without delay with requests for the lifting of the immunity of its members. The effective fight against corruption is of essential importance for Albania’s progress towards EU membership, which is also the expectation of its citizens,” the European Commission stated.
