Statement by U.S. Ambassador John L. Withers (March 13, 2008)

I have followed closely reports of the cowardly assault on journalist Besar Likmeta by Tom Doshi in the presence of Arben Isaraj.  These reports are all the more appalling since both are Members of Parliament.
Our Human Rights report, released just two days ago, makes profoundly clear that violence and threats of violence against the press are intolerable to a democracy.
I applaud Prime Minister Berisha’s statement calling for a full investigation of the charges and look forward to seeing the results of that investigation quickly.
I call on Albania’s political leadership, civil society representatives, and especially Mr. Likmeta’s fellow journalists to condemn openly and boldly any such violation of the freedom of speech, which is the foundation of a free society.