TIRANA, May 10 /ATA/ – The United States Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim stated Monday that there is no place for corruption or corrupt actors in the justice system.
Addressing a ceremony marking the National Justice Day, Ambassador Kim said: “I am happy to observe that all the institutions that were born or reconstituted through implementation of the justice reform are now functioning in a meaningful way.”
“We all knew when the justice reform was adopted four years ago that progress would not be easy, quick or perfect, but thanks to your efforts and the support of the Albanian people, justice reform is moving forward step by step,” Ambassador Kim said.
“The institutions are now functioning because of you and we are now beginning to see the tangible results of justice reform on behalf of the Albanian people. The public should be the greatest direct and indirect beneficiary of your daily work; the work of all justice institutions and all of you who serve there. After all, justice and the rule of law must serve the people. As leading members of Albania’s justice institutions all of you who are here today have the honour, as well as the duty to serve the Albanian people,” Kim stated.
“I would like to thank you for all your hard work to date as you have established or re-established your institutions and laid down the rules for moving forward. Justice Reform has come a long way, but there is more yet to do to meet the expectations of the Albanian people and to keep Albania firmly on the path to EU membership,” she said.
“It has been a tough road and along the way we have had tough conversations, but I hope that you know in your heart that when we have had these tough conversations, they are coming from a friend. You have paid a high price and I want to thank you for that. And it is time to show that the pain of justice reform is paying off, that you and your institutions are dedicated to true justice and the rule of law, not to parties or individual interests, that there is no place for corruption or corrupt actors in the justice system and that Albanian justice can truly deliver fair and impartial justice for the Albanian people,” Kim underlined.
Therefore – Kim went on saying – “we gathered together today to remember that on May 10, 1913, the government of Ismail Qemali decreed the first Legal Act for the justice system in the newly-independent Albania. 108 years later, Albania has a new legal framework in line with the best international standards.”
“We want you to succeed. Albania needs you to succeed. We believe you can succeed. I believe you can succeed. As you and your institutions fulfil your missions and further justice reform, I hope you would know firmly that the United States will always be at your side as you take these difficult steps. We will be at your side until justice is a true reality in Albania,” the U.S. diplomat concluded.
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