Berisha admits lobbying to overturn US entry ban

Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha has acknowledged that a lobbying campaign was launched to persuade the US State Department to remove restrictions on his entry to the United States.

Speaking to reporters, Berisha said the effort was funded by a foundation that supports his Democratic Party, but he declined to name the organisation or say how much was spent.

He insisted he had not negotiated directly with US officials and described lobbying as the only available route to challenge the measure.

US records continue to list Berisha and members of his family as barred from entering the country.

Media reports have previously linked the Democratic Party to a $6 million lobbying contract with US firm Continental Strategy.