Remarks by USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore --
Statement at Press Conference (May 19, 2008)

I am pleased to have just participated in the inauguration the National Agency for Information Society, housing Albania’s e-governance system which is helping to tackle corruption and improve the economic environment through business registration, tax and procurement reforms. And coupled with the National Business Registration Center, this is an important milestone for Albania.

Immediately following this event I will participate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tirana Court of Appeals. Corruption impacts many facets of society, but the effects on business and investments are truly great. I will conclude my visit meeting a group of businesspersons to discuss opportunities and challenges for investment.

Good morning again and thank you for providing me this opportunity to discuss my visit to Albania.

My trip to Albania follows the historic achievement of Albania’s invitation to join NATO. This invitation was received in Bucharest last month, and continues the strong growth of the economy, as well as the devastating explosions in Gërdec. These explosions tragically took dozens of lives and produced tremendous financial and emotional hardships and losses for the community.

It is in this context of opportunities and challenges that I met with Speaker Topalli, President Topi, and Prime Minister Berisha yesterday and this morning.

As Albania looks ahead to the general elections and NATO membership, it will be important for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to implementing judicial and electoral reforms. It will need to intensify its active anti-corruption efforts, particularly related to immunity and tougher government sanctions for lawbreakers, enforced by fair and apolitical trials and convictions.

It is also important to reiterate the statements of Ambassador Withers two weeks ago that emphasized the responsibility of all Albanians to demand the end of corruption.