Luan Hoxha: Withers lies

08/09/2011 20:15

The former General Commander of the Albanian Army, Luan Hoxha, explains
through a letter sent to several media outlets that he hasn’t mentioned
the name of the Prime Minister’s son, Shkelzen Berisha, as shown on the
US Cables published by Wikileaks, signed by John Withers.

He chose several media for expressing his position after the cable was published, but not all of them published the cable that mentioned his meeting with the US diplomat.

The diplomatic document, among other things writes:

“He charged that it was during the second half of the project, beginning in December 2007, that he was directed by Mediu, over his own stated concerns in writing to Prime Minister Berisha (copied to Speaker Topalli and Mediu), as well as following direct pressure by telephone from “a young man” who he later confirmed as Shkelzen Berisha, son of the PM, to continue to deliver higher caliber ammunition to Gerdec and do to so without delay.  Asked whether he had reported this information to the Prosecutor General, Hoxha answered yes, he had provided all information and documents to the PG’s investigators, save the information regarding Berisha’s son.  On this, he said, it was not safe to speak.”

“The Ambassador emphasized that if the PG’s investigation is to be successful, those who know the truth must speak out. Hoxha agreed that in the interest of justice he should speak out, but did not confirm that he would do so. (Note: Hoxha said there are many others who know this information.),” the cable continues.

“This is the second incident of an official expressing outright concern, bordering on fear, for personal and professional safety, in strict confidence to the Ambassador.  (The first came from Deputy Head of the High Council of Justice Kreshnik Spahiu, Reftel.)  Some outside evidence supports Hoxha’s version of events.  As Chief of Defense, Hoxha’s relations with former Minister Mediu were always strained, and in our dealings with him he appeared to be frequently out of the loop and lacking sufficient authority to carry out the duties of his office.  According to public information, the PG appears to be focusing her investigation away from the military itself and on Mediu, possibly because that is where the evidence has led so far.
If Hoxha’s version contains elements of truth, it could help explain a relevant question of the day – why the PM has stepped up consistent attacks on independent institutions at this particular time, alarming the international community and leading it to question Albania’s democratic credentials when much remains at stake regarding NATO ratification,” the cable continues.

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