The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, has responded to former Prime Minister Sali Berisha's inappropriate statement about his sexual orientation. In an interview on the "Top Story" show, Gonzato described the statement as "unpleasant."
"On a personal level, the statements that were made in that case, but also in other cases related to my private life, I would define as unpleasant. They do not affect me much — I am an adult, aware of my choices and I remain loyal to them. What bothered me was the implication that these personal choices could cloud my professional judgment, that I was doing things as an EU ambassador because of my personal history. This is something that I cannot accept," Gonzato said.
He added that he feels supported by his superior, Commissioner Kos, who reacted immediately by expressing full confidence in his professionalism.
Gonzato spoke at length about the justice reform and its importance in the process of Albania's integration into the European Union, assessing the achievements so far.
"Judicial reform is the key to Albania's progress towards the EU. The progress report praised SPAK's achievements in the fight against corruption and organized crime, but more is required. Financial investigations must be intensified, asset seizure and cooperation with law enforcement agencies in member states must be increased," the ambassador stressed.
In conclusion, the EU ambassador in Tirana underlined that Albanian institutions “are more stable and more capable of facing political pressures” than ever before.
