Berisha says US ban lifted, but not for family

An unconfirmed report that Sali Berisha is no longer under a US “non grata” designation spread quickly through Albanian media on Thursday.

The report, published by journalist Çim Peka, said the former prime minister no longer appears to be under the US restriction.

Opposition MPs applauded Berisha in parliament after the claim circulated.

Berisha told reporters he had “never been non grata”, saying it was a previous visa block that had now been removed.

He gave no comment when asked whether the same applied to his wife and children.

There has been no official confirmation from the US embassy in Tirana or the State Department.

The State Department’s 2021 notice naming Berisha and his family over alleged significant corruption remains publicly accessible.