Two American senators with a well-known profile on Western Balkans issues held a series of meetings in Tirana, with the agenda including President Bajram Begaj, the heads of the special justice institutions, and several opposition figures. What stands out in this visit is the exclusion of Sali Berisha from the reported meetings.
Balkan tour and stop in Tirana
Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin, who are engaged in legislative initiatives for the Western Balkans, are on a tour of several countries in the region, including Albania and Kosovo.
According to publicly released information, the focus of this tour is linked to security, Euro-Atlantic integrity, cooperation with NATO and the rule of law. At the meetings in Tirana, the senators were accompanied by United States Ambassador Eric Wendt.
Meeting with the heads of SPAK and the BKH
One of the most politically sensitive stops was the meeting at their offices with SPAK chief Klodjan Braho and BKH director Joni Keta.
The visit comes at a time when contact between American diplomacy and the special justice institutions is being read as a political signal. For Ambassador Eric Wendt, this was his second stop at SPAK within a few days, which according to the official version is interpreted as a continuation of American support for the Special Structure.
Begaj decorates the American senators
During their stay in Albania, the two American senators were also received by President Bajram Begaj.
At this meeting, they were honored with the decoration “Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle” for their contribution. The ceremony also gives the visit a symbolic institutional dimension, beyond the political messages that accompanied the meeting agenda.
Contacts with the opposition and Berisha’s absence
The American senators also held meetings with representatives of the opposition camp, specifically Democratic Party MPs Jorida Tabaku, Oerd Bylykbashi and Ivi Kaso. According to reports, concerns were raised in these talks about the way the country is being governed.
Meetings were also held with Agron Shehaj, leader of the Mundesia party, as well as MP Marjana Koçeku, who is now independent after leaving the Socialist Party.
The most commented-on element of this visit remains the fact that opposition leader Sali Berisha was not included in the meetings held in Tirana. His absence from the agenda is fueling political interpretations, although no public explanation has been given for this exclusion.
After the stop in Albania, the American senators traveled to Kosovo, where their tour continues with meetings with the political actors of the neighboring country.