US sanctions Albania ex-leader Sali Berisha over corruption

The United States has sanctioned former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, barring him from entering the country after being accused of involvement in “significant corruption.”

TIRANA, Albania -- The United States on Wednesday sanctioned former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, barring him from entering the country after being accused of involvement in “significant corruption.” Berisha, 76, who was also president in the 1990s, is now a lawmaker in the opposition Democratic Party. He “was involved in corrupt acts, such as misappropriation of public funds and interfering with public processes," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Berisha was also accused of “using his power for his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members at the expense of the Albanian public’s confidence in their government institutions and public officials,” Blinken said.