TIRANA, Sept 10 /ATA/ – US Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn praised Wednesday Albania’s anti-corruption prosecution structure SPAK as “effective” but stated that the United States expects transparency and integrity in the selection of the country’s next Special Prosecutor.
Speaking at a regional OSCE conference on drug trafficking and violent crime, an event taking for first time in Albania, VanHorn emphasized that combating organized crime and narcotics trafficking remains a top priority for both the United States and Albania.
“These issues undermine global security, pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and threaten stability around the world,” VanHorn told participants at the event, which gathered senior officials including Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) head Altin Dumani, OSCE Ambassador to Albania Michael Tarran, and Greek Ambassador Konstantina Kamitsi, etc.
She also thanked law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and investigators for their continued efforts in the fight against organized crime.
“Illegal drugs and organized crime pose a direct threat to our national security,” VanHorn said, referencing U.S. policy priorities. “President Trump has directed that every policy and dollar of assistance advance the national security interests of the United States. That includes dismantling transnational criminal organizations.”
She added that U.S. cooperation will deepen with governments that demonstrate a shared commitment to these goals. “Our efforts will be based on concrete mutual interests – not empty rhetoric or ideology, as Secretary Rubio has emphasized.”
VanHorn highlighted recent law enforcement programs in the Western Balkans that emphasize results and shared responsibility, reflecting the “America First” approach in U.S. foreign policy.
Commenting on SPAK chief Altin Dumani’s recent visit to Washington, VanHorn said discussions focused on joint efforts to fight crime both in Albania and the United States.
“However, this law enforcement partnership was not built overnight between our Justice Department and SPAK. And together, we must protect what we have built. SPAK is only as effective as its independence to pursue criminals, no matter to whom they are connected. And SPAK, too, of course, is subject to Albania’s laws. As it is, based on the law, Mr. Dumani, as effective, phenomenally effective, as he has been, is going to be replaced because his term is up. And the process of selecting Mr. Dumani’s replacement must be impartial, it must be transparent, and it must be free from outside influence,” she said.
“Those who wish to see Albania continue its fight against crime and corruption, including international partners, are keenly interested in the process and will be watching it closely. The United States expects integrity in the selection of the next Chief Special Prosecutor; as we expect it for the selection of the next NBI Director.
Thank you again for your courage, for your commitment to your countries and citizens. I trust that this conference will strengthen your skills and provide new tools in your fight against organized crime,” US Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn concluded.
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