Berisha to lobby Trump administration to revoke ‘non grata’ designation
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced plans to lobby the incoming Trump administration to overturn the ‘non grata’ designation imposed by the U.S. Department of State on him and his family.
Why is this important: The designation has significantly impacted Berisha’s political standing. His decision to engage with a new U.S. administration, comes in the aftermath of Berisha’s failure to change the designation despite repeated efforts. It also reflects a conviction on the part of many Democrats, encouraged by Berisha, that the Trump administration will be more amicable to Berisha and the Democratic Party.
Context: Speaking on A2CNN, Berisha explained his decision not to lobby the Biden administration, opting instead to sue Secretary of State Anthony Blinken for defamation. “I decided not to lobby with this administration. I took Secretary Blinken to court for defamation and invited him to provide evidence.”
Berisha expressed confidence that the State Department has no evidence against him and plans to use his connections with past U.S. officials to lobby effectively.
What’s next: Berisha’s lobbying plans mark a new phase in his efforts to overturn the designation, which he has worked hard to explain as being politically motivated. However, even in the event of a change of heart on the part of the U.S. Berisha will still have to deal with a blacklisting by the UK and a trial for corruption in Albania.
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