Berisha says US has lifted sanctions, but State Department listing remains

Former Albanian prime minister Sali Berisha says the United States has lifted sanctions and removed his “non grata” status.

But the claim does not match the public record.

The US State Department has referred to a waiver, not a revocation. A waiver can allow entry to the US in specific cases, usually for diplomatic, institutional or national interest reasons. It does not remove the original designation.

Berisha’s name, along with those of his wife Liri, son Shkëlzen and daughter Argita, still appears on the State Department’s public 2021 list under Section 7031(c).

Berisha described his case as unique. But US visa waivers have been used before for sanctioned officials and foreign leaders.

Berisha was designated by the US over alleged significant corruption.