Arvizu: Politics to follow Clinton’s advices

This communication form was an idea of the Embassy staff for giving a chance to the citizens to communicate directly with the US main diplomat in Albania.

When asked about the January 21st trial, Arvizu declared that two years have passed and the Albanians deserve an answer and justce.

One of the questions was: “Is it worthy to invest in Albania?”

Arvizu declared that this is a difficult question, and that the recent privatization histoy was very mixed. He thinks that there are still good business opportunities, but I would advise any investor to find a good and respected Albanian partner for the homework. The chances are there, together with the problems, according to Arvizu. The US Ambassador added that the business of investments is not what it should.

One of the questions was related with the efficiency of the Albanian civil society in Albania. Ambassador Arvizu declared that the individuals are active in the civil society and they have the right to have their own political views. But when they are involved as members of the civil society, their actions should be political, or their credibility could be damaged.

Arvizu didn’t hesitate to say: “I’ve also heard accusations saying that some NGOs are corrupted and only aim for their own profits. Every credible NGO should be transparent in the sources and usage of funds.

However, Arvizu declared that there are some real champions in the civil society and some other civil societies are much politicized, which hampers their effectiveness. The challenge ahead is not for the civil society per se, according to Arvizu, but for a wider and deeper civil involvement.

“Albania has a critical need for objective statistics and information, not biased, since they are related with official information. Sources of incomes, asset declaration, etc”, this is the answer that the US Ambassador gave for the recent accusations regarding the assets of politicians.

“I’m a little concerned about the Central Election Commission. There were problems that I perceived as direct administrative problems that are politicized. This is not a good sign for June 23rd”, Arvizu declared regarding the CEC.

There were questions about the TAP projects, to which the US Ambassador answered by saying that the US supports the diversification of the European energy sources. The politics of the administration for neutrality between TAP and Nabucco has not changed, he said.

Alexander Arvizu thinks that the initiative launched by him in the last year, Act Now, is working. “I’m encouraged by the reactions that we have received. Only six months have passed and I’ve said even earlier that you need time to build a social involvement culture with personal and official responsibilities. I was touched by the many people that were able to bring a change”, Arvizu declared.

Top Channel