The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker, during an
interview on Top Channel’s “Top Story” with journalist Sokol Balla,
hinted the existence of a memo that was made public one week ago on this
show, calling it a “private communication” between the two governments.
“We speak in public, we speak in private, we speak openly in private and in public, and this is what our relation deserves, because USA and Albania have a strong long-term relation. We are NATO allies, which is something sacred. We must be able to speak directly to each other on topics that are concerning for us, and we will keep doing this”, Reeker declared.
When asked about the increased nationalist rhetoric not only in Albania, Reeker declared that they are irresponsible statements and politicians should focus on how to improve the citizens’ life. Reeker emphasized that for the US there will be no border changes in Balkan.
“Nationalist rhetoric is something that we don’t embrace. I can see the irresponsibility of nationalist rhetoric in Europe and wider, and it only deviates attention from the main focus, which should be the reforms on stability, the European path and improving economy in order to have better opportunities for the citizens. The appeals to join different groups on ethnic and nationalist grounds are counterproductive and irresponsible. We will speak up against this, because it distracts from the priorities, and I believe that the US ambassador has done an excellent job in presenting the messages from Washington”, Reeker declared.
Commenting on the declaration of the US Embassy in Tirana, after the Court decision on January 21st, Reeker supported Ambassador Arvizu and his delicate relations with the Albanian government recently, removing any doubt for personal positions held by him not only on this case, but on every stance ever held by the Ambassador. Reeker declared that Arvizu’s declaration was previously coordinated with Washington.
“The statement of the US Ambassador speaks for itself. It was coordinated with Washington. Ambassador Arvizu is a personal representative of President Obama. He works closely with me and with Secretary Kerry in Washington. We were concerned by the verdict and we expressed our views. When the Prosecutor General asked for technical assistance from the US, the FBI, we offered it. Because of this we were expecting accountability and justice on this case. But it has no relation with any particular party. It shouldn’t be exploited back and forth in this electoral time. We want to see accountability for the actions in a trial under the rule of law”, Reeker declared.
Reeker used the word “concern” for the elections of June 2013, together with the requests that have been reiterated to the political parties for holding fair elections.
“We have concerns. These elections are very important for Brussels and Washington, because they will establish the tone for the next stage of Albania’s future. We have seen problems with the elections in the past, and as a friend we want to cooperate, to help and make sure that these elections will be absolutely successful”, Reeker declared.
When journalist Sokol Balla asked if it is a contradiction that we are NATO members and still have problems with the elections, Reeker declared:
“We are very proud that Albania is our NATO ally. You can see how important this phase was for the history of Albania, and everyone should be proud of it. It means that you are able to cooperate. This is needed for successful elections”, Reeker declared.
The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Philip Reeker, shortly after his arrival in our country, started his two-day visit through the premises of “Top-Media”.
Accompanied by the US Ambassador to Tirana, Alexander Arvizu, Reeker’s first visit was with the leaders of Top Channel.
Top Channel
