During his visit to the United States of America, Opposition Leader Sali Berisha, accompanied by the Chairman of the Republican Party of Albania, Fatmir Mediu, held an important meeting with the Chairman of the US Congressional Subcommittee on Europe, Texas Congressman Keith Self.
At the center of this discussion were the major problems facing Albania, mainly drug trafficking, rampant corruption and their direct impact on the manipulation of electoral processes, the fight against drug cartels and influence on elections.

During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the positions expressed by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to whom the strategic partnership with Albania aims primarily at the uncompromising fight against drug trafficking and cartels.
It was denounced that organized crime and drug money are being used by the current administration and government of Edi Rama to manipulate elections, control power, and launder money in corrupt affairs. This situation was assessed as completely outside the standards of a NATO member country.

"Rama has destroyed the Constitution"

Sali Berisha informed the American congressman about the extremely difficult situation the country is in. According to Berisha, Prime Minister Rama has destroyed the Constitution and all independent institutions, concentrating in his hands an absolute power that produces absolute corruption.
Concerns were also raised that the government completely controls the judiciary and is using it as a political weapon against the opposition in order to maintain power.

The regional context and historical role of Congressman Self

For his part, Congressman Keith Self assessed the situation in the Balkans as an extremely big problem, especially in the context of global developments and Russia's influence. Having early experience, having been engaged during the Bosnian war, Self showed increased interest in developments in the region.
Mr. Berisha particularly thanked the congressman for his historic national stances, including the strong statement on the sentencing of Ratko Mladic – an initiative that Self took together with Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Pressley. Berisha also expressed gratitude for the special interest that the congressman has shown in the Presevo Valley and the acceleration of Kosovo’s membership in NATO, giving the meeting an important nationwide context.

Proposal for elections: Model like North Macedonia

During the conversation, it was concluded that both Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade and Edi Rama in Tirana do not allow free and fair elections. As the only solution to guarantee a democratic process and the installation of a normal democracy where power is established by free vote, the creation of a technical government was proposed, taking as a successful model the path followed by North Macedonia. Congressman Self expressed great interest in hearing about the steps that could be taken next, confirming that he will continue to follow the situation in the Balkans and especially in Albania with maximum attention.