The Special Prosecution Office has reacted after the US Embassy in Albania announced the suspension of funding for Albanian institutions.
"We have been informed of the Executive Order of the United States Government to stop the implementation of international assistance programs. SPAK is an independent institution, which relies entirely on the state budget. Law 115 of 2024 "On the Management of the Budgetary System of the Republic of Albania" also provides for the approved budget for the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime for 2025," SPAK's response to A2 CNN states.
"The Special Prosecution Office and the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH), since their establishment, have had the support of international partners, including the United States of America, who have provided their contribution through missions: OPDAT, ICITAP, DEA, FBI. Their support is extremely important for strengthening the work of SPAK and consists mainly of training, study visits, various technical equipment and the case management system."
A day ago, the United States Embassy in Tirana notified the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the suspension of American funds following an order from President Donald Trump.
On January 24, the US State Department ordered a suspension of new funding for most international assistance programs, as part of the president's efforts to align US aid policies with his foreign policy objectives.
These programs, which are funded primarily through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will be affected by this decision.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a message to US embassies around the world, clarifying that international aid will only be distributed in full accordance with the foreign policy of the president of the United States.
Funds are suspended until a second decision for the following institutions:
Ministry of Finance, including the Financial Intelligence Agency
Ministry of Interior, including the Albanian State Police, the Police Supervision Agency and the Coordination Center Against Violent Extremism.
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Justice, including the General Directorate of Prisons
Ministry of Defense
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Education and Sports
Ministry of Tourism and Environment
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Ministry of State for Youth and Children
Ministry of State for Local Government
Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, including the Albanian Electricity Corporation (KESH), the Transmission System Operator (OST), the Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE) and the Albanian Energy Exchange (ALPEX)
Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption
Ministry of State for Parliamentary Relations
Parliament, including its committees
High Judicial Council
High Prosecutorial Council
Constitutional Court
Supreme Court
All courts, including courts of appeal, administrative courts of appeal and courts of first instance
The structure of the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime, including the Special Prosecution Office and the National Bureau of Investigation
Special Court of First Instance Against Corruption and Organized Crime
Special Court of Appeal Against Corruption and Organized Crime
Office of the Attorney General
High Inspector of Justice
Independent Qualifications Commission, International Monitoring Operation and Special Appeals Chamber
National Cyber Security Authority (NKSA)
National Agency for the Information Society (NAIS)
Ministry of State and Office of the Chief Negotiator
State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC)
All municipal governments
The executive order calls for a 90-day suspension of U.S. international development assistance to assess effectiveness and "consistent with United States foreign policy."
This order affects new distributions of funds to foreign countries, NGOs, international organizations, and contractors, pending the completion of program reviews. (A2 Televizion)
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