In a statement released on social media, the Embassy emphasized that violence, rioting, physically injuring others, and the destruction of property are not civic engagement.

“We call on all citizens who choose to demonstrate, to exercise their right to protest peacefully with no violent rioting”, is read in the statement.

The US embassy also urged restraint and calm on all sides. /p.s./

Berisha informed the American representatives about the protests against the government, which he described as student protests against corruption, the drug state and election manipulation. He added that the Democratic Party is committed to support this movement.

Berisha accused the government of alleged links between organized crime and state institutions, claiming that Albanian drug cartels have influence in the police, judiciary and prosecution, as well as links with representatives of the executive branch.

Speaking about the economy, Berisha claimed that the depreciation of the euro and USD, the decline in industrial production and the growth of the construction sector are related to the impact of the illegal economy.

He also referred to figures—which he attributed to Eurostat—regarding Albanian emigration over the last decade, as well as the decline in birth rates, describing these developments as having serious consequences for the country.

In conclusion, citing the conditions under which the last Parliamentary elections took place and the findings of international reports, Berisha reiterated his call for the formation of a technical government, which he considers an essential prerequisite for ensuring free and fair elections. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

Major General Kingji expressed his gratitude for the continuous support from the U.S.—Albania’s key strategic partner in defense—particularly in modernizing the operational and military capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces.

“I emphasized our commitment to further deepening this cooperation and strengthening both national and collective security,” Kingji stated. /e.xh/ /a.g/p.s./

The talked focused on modernizing the legislative process and strengthening Parliamentary institutions, including the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence to enhance transparency and efficiency. Another topic of the talks were also the efforts to accelerating Albania’s path toward the European Union through continued reforms and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Ismaili emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences with American partners to strengthen institutional capacities and establish more modern Parliamentary processes.

“The partnership with the US remains a vital source of support for strengthening and modernizing democratic institutions,” the minister stated following the meeting.

The U.S. delegation was led by Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida, Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership—a bipartisan House of Representatives body that collaborates with the parliaments of partner nations on Parliamentary transparency, government oversight, access to information, Parliamentary administrative capacity and the modernization of legislative processes.

Under Buchanan’s leadership, this body has collaborated with hundreds of parliamentarians from 47 countries around the world. /p.s./

In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from the meeting with the American diplomat, with the following message attached: “Welcoming the new U.S. Ambassador Eric Wendt to Tirana.”

Eric Wendt officially assumed his duties as the United States Ambassador to Albania on September 26, after presenting his credentials to President Bajram Begaj.

Meanwhile, on October 2, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana is scheduled to introduce its new ambassador during a ceremony at a central city hotel.

Eric Wendt, 61, served in the “Green Berets” special forces. He has also served as commander of NATO Special Operations Command and held significant positions in the Middle East and the Pacific region. /j.p/p.s./

According to media reports, the credentials presentation ceremony will take place tomorrow during a meeting with President Bajram Begaj.

The agenda carries a reception at the Palace of Brigades at 11:00 AM, followed by a one-on-one meeting between President Begaj and U.S. Ambassador Wendt. /p.s./

Following the Parliamentary vote, Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi described the decision as a step that transforms Albania’s commitment to peace into a concrete contribution on the ground.

“A decision that transforms Albania’s commitment to peace into a concrete contribution on the ground,” Nufi stated.

The minister also emphasized that Albania, as a US ally, will contribute to peace efforts and international security.

“As a steadfast ally, Albania stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the US in peace efforts, demonstrating responsibility, solidarity and a contribution to international security,” Nufi said.

The draft law “On participation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania in the military operation of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza” was approved today with 106 votes in favor. /p.s./

The Bronx is considered a key center for the Albanian-American community; institutions such as the “Children of the Eagle” Albanian school and the Albanian-English bilingual program play a vital role in preserving and passing on the Albanian language and identity to younger generations.

During the visit, Balla expressed his gratitude to Albanian-Americans, describing them as a community that preserves its roots while building strong bridges of friendship and cooperation between Albania and the United States. /gj.m/a.f/r.e/p.s./

Berisha stated that the talks focused on the political situation in Albania, the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, as well as developments regarding the justice system and elections.

He praised President Donald Trump’s speeches at the convention, declaring that his stance against communism and drug cartels serves as an endorsement of the groups confronting these threats.

Berisha also thanked the Albanian diaspora in the US for their welcome and support, noting their willingness to contribute to the opposition’s efforts.

The DP leader stated that one of the main topics of discussion was what he described as a “narco-state.” According to Berisha, this situation has consequences for the economy, democracy, public order and citizens’ rights. “There are two fundamental issues we focused on during our meetings. The first is the fact that this is the only narco-state in Europe, with devastating effects on the economy, democracy, public order and the rights of Albanian citizens. We also addressed the consequences of this—namely, the erosion of electoral integrity and Edi Rama’s consolidation of power over the judiciary, which is increasingly being weaponized for political purposes,” said Berisha.

According to Berisha, the most important message from U.S. partners concerns the defense of shared values.

“The most important message from our partners is upholding of our shared values, as well as the further promotion of friendly cooperation and partnership with the U.S. Frankly speaking, no country in the world can successfully combat drug trafficking without their support. No country in the world can successfully fight terrorism without their support. Yet, President Donald Trump has designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and this is of immense—truly immense significance,” he said. /p.s./

As reported by the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, the operation entailed configuring UH-60 Black Hawk cabins for MedEvac capabilities and evaluating specialized equipment to ensure high-quality, in-flight patient care.

Major General Lisa Hou, Director of the Office of Medical Services at the U.S. National Guard Bureau, visited to observe the training firsthand and commend the professionalism and capability of Albanian Air Force personnel.

“This continued cooperation reinforces the partnership between U.S. and Albanian forces in support of real-world search and rescue operations,” the U.S. Embassy stated. /p.s./