The US Embassy in Tirana announced on Tuesday that, “at a reception with Albanian judges, prosecutors, investigators and heads of law enforcement agencies in Albania, Assistant Secretary Todd Robinson thanked our Albanian partners for their courage and commitment to law enforcement, transparency , as well as ending impunity.”

He underlined the importance of an independent judiciary for Albania as it fights crime and corruption.
“Today Albanians are taking brave steps to start tough reforms. And I want you all to know that my colleagues and I in Washington recognize your hard work. But like any hard work of strengthening democracy and building accountability, it is a long and difficult path. And I would just encourage you, one, to know that you are making a difference and two, to don’t give up, keep going…We will count on you as a partner to combat transnational crime and corruption in the Western Balkans…but more importantly, ordinary Albanian citizens count on you… And I can promise that as you continue your work, the United States government will be your partner in this and will walk the path with you to support you and Albania,” he said.
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He made these remarks during a debate organized by the European Policy Centre entitled “Belgrade-Pristina Talks: Are we getting back on the right track?”

“Our policy towards the Balkans is to see them as the part of the EU. They are a part of Europe,” Gabriel Escobar, newly-appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs said.

“We will support the EU in its efforts to bring Serbia and Kosovo closer to the bloc and will work with EU towards integrating the rest of the region. It also implies strong signals for Albania and North Macedonia, including the resolution of dispute between Skopje and Bulgaria. He said that this issue should be solved as soon as possible.

Escobar expressed frustration with the process of enlargement coming to a standstill.

“I am concerned about the lack of public confidence in the message that enlargement is possible. “I am concerned about the lack of a strong message from the European Union either,” he said.
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