The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC), stemming from yesterday’s statement by the Prosecutor General toward the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Lu, observes with regret that this communication is neither appropriate nor healthy for the implementation of reforms in our country.

AHC considers that the Prosecutor General, and any other prosecutor in the Republic of Albania only abides by the Constitution and the Law in force. The Prosecutor’s Office only reacts on the basis of the law by investigating and by deciding to not initiate, dismiss or send a criminal case to court.

AHC, as a non-governmental, non-profit and independent organization appreciates the assistance given for our country by the United States of America through the Office of OPDAT (Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development and Assistance Program). This office has provided and continues to provide precious contribution for the development of criminal law, for the purpose of intensifying the fight against public corruption, organized crime and human trafficking. This purpose has been served through the training programs provided by this office for judges, police officers and prosecutors, logistical and technical support that aims to increase the capacities and efficiency of structures for the implementation of criminal legislation.

Also, in the context of reform in the justice system, AHC appreciates the contribution offered by the OPDAT office through the provision of professional American expertise, particularly for the drafting of legislation that is part of the anti-corruption package. We wish to mention here the contribution provided by the experts of OPDAT and the Euralius Mission for the drafting of the law no. 95/2016 “On the organization and functioning of institutions for the fight against corruption and organized crime,” the effective implementation of which will be decisive in the fight against corruption in the country.

AHC underscores that the positions of international partners should be understood not only when they express appreciation for the functionoing of institutions of the Albanian state, but also when they raise concerns and criticize the non-proper functioning of this system. These are positions of partners who come from countries with consolidated democracies and institutions of the rule of law and contribute to the integration of our country in the European family.

Lastly, AHC appreciates the contribution of U.S. and European Union representatives in terms of advancing an important reform for our country, justice reform. In particular, we appreciate the contribution of Mr. Donald Lu, U.S. Ambassador to our country, who has encouraged the approval of this reform with good will and correctness.