Appearing on "Çim Peka Live" on SYRI TV, Steven Bucci, the first US Defense Attaché in Tirana, harshly criticized the US State Department for its actions against opposition leader Sali Berisha.

"Sali Berisha was a close and vital ally of the USA, and to now see the administration of the actual president, through US State Department, not only encouraging the ruling party to take action against him but also directly forcing these actions is concerning. They even took steps to silence him, restricted his movements, and have now placed him under house arrest," said Bucci.

Bucci further expressed his dismay, questioning, "How could America's role have been reduced to this? How has a NATO ally treated one of its own in this manner? It’s deeply disturbing to me."

"US State Department acted wrongly, and I pray that the situation is corrected and improved as soon as possible. The Albanian people deserve this outcome for the sake of democracy," Bucci added.

Studio Interview Highlights:

Bucci: "Sali Berisha has been a long-time and significant ally of the United States, founding the Democratic Party (DP) and collaborating closely with the US throughout his career. To now see the administration of the actual president, through US State Department, not only encouraging the ruling party to take action against him but also directly forcing these actions is concerning. They even took steps to silence him, restricted his movements, and have now placed him under house arrest."

How could America's role have been reduced to this? How has a NATO ally treated one of its own in this manner? It’s deeply disturbing to me. US State Department acted wrongly, and I pray that the situation is corrected and improved as soon as possible. The Albanian people deserve this outcome for the sake of democracy,

Based on my experience, I believe Sali Berisha is a strong ally of the United States and a capable leader for Albania. He deserves a fair hearing from the people, not just the ruling party.