Key facts
- Former Albanian leader Sali Berisha stated the U.S. has lifted a travel ban imposed on him and his family in 2021.
- The U.S. State Department confirmed issuing waivers for previous designations, citing compelling national interest.
- Berisha, head of the opposition Democratic Party, had been barred from entry due to alleged corrupt acts.
- The decision comes amid protests against a luxury resort project involving Jared Kushner.
TIRANA, June 12 (Reuters) - Sali Berisha, the head of Albania's main opposition party and a former president and prime minister, announced on Friday that the United States has lifted a travel ban that was imposed on him and his immediate family in 2021. The ban was enacted due to allegations of "corrupt acts," including misappropriation of public funds and enriching relatives.
Berisha, 81, shared the news on Facebook, stating that after a thorough review by the State Department, the "unfair decision" of the previous U.S. administration had been corrected. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed to Reuters that waivers were issued for several "7031(c) designations" because granting them serves a "compelling national interest." The spokesperson did not identify the individuals who received the waivers.