US 'Slams Albania Attack' on Outgoing Ambassador
Tirana | 12 August 2010 |
US undersecretary for European Affairs Philip Gordon has reportedly rebuked complaints by the Albanian government towards the outgoing US Ambassador in Tirana, John L Withers.
His reported comments came after Albanian Foreign Minister, Ilir Meta, complained in a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over Withers' stances on government policies, especially toward the judicial vetting process for the Constitutional Court.
Tirana broadcaster Top Channel TV reported on Wednesday that Gordon says in his letter, written on Clinton's request: “The secretary and I have faith in Ambassador Withers and the work he his doing to bring forward our relationship and help Albania achieve it full potential.
“His commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law in 26-years of emeritus service, have played an essential role in helping Albania achieve NATO membership and respect the requirements that follow NATO’s accession.”
Referring to the row over judicial appointments, Gordon added the US calls for “complete transparency over judicial appointments and vetting process..”
However, Foreign Minister Ilir Meta on Thursday denied complaining about Withers.
"There is no letter sent to a foreign country complaining about their ambassadors," he told a press conference, describing the media reports as "pure speculation".
Withers relationship with the government was strained by his defence of the independence of the Albanian judiciary, which was widely seen as being constantly under attack by the right-wing of Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
Recently, the US Ambassador had spoken publicly against the majority’s move to strike down high court judges nominations by President Bamir Topi, based on political preferences.
Meanwhile, the Albanian government and pro-government media have described his comments as "personal opinion", rather than position of the US government.
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