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| "Ashraf 3" camp in Manëz, Durrës, Albania. |
James O'Brien, a seasoned American diplomat with expertise in the Balkans dating back to the 1990s, recently underwent a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He is now awaiting Senate approval for the position of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia.
During the questioning session, Democratic Senator Bob Menendez raised concerns about the Albanian police's control over Camp Ashraf 3 in Manza, Durrës, where members of the Iranian People's Mujahedin Organization (MEK) are residing. Senator Menendez acknowledged the death of one camp member and highlighted the existence of differing accounts of the events. He commended Albania for providing shelter to the MEK members but stressed the importance of continuous security guarantees. In response, James O'Brien assured the committee that he will investigate the incident in which a MEK representative lost his life, Radio Free Europe reports.
The Albanian police conducted an operation on June 20 at the Manza camp, during which 15 police officers and 21 MEK members were injured. The police stated that the control was carried out based on an order from the Special Structure against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK). The investigation pertains to six criminal offenses suspected to have been committed by the Mujahedin members during their stay at Ashraf 3 camp, including "provocation of war," "unlawful interception of computer data," "interference with computer data," "interference with computer systems," and "misuse of devices" as outlined in the Albanian Criminal Code.
Previously, the U.S. Department of State expressed support for the police action, stating that it was conducted in accordance with the country's laws, and it is Albania's right to investigate any potential illegal activity within its territory.
Following the police controls, six leaders of MEK in Albania were placed under investigation for suspected criminal offenses, such as "disobeying a public order police officer," "resisting a public order police officer," "destruction of property," and "obstruction of the execution of court decisions."
The Senate also discussed other issues concerning the Western Balkans. In response to Senator Jeanne Shaheen's questions about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, O'Brien stated that the United States has made it clear to Serb leaders, particularly Milorad Dodik, that his stance against stability is unacceptable, and there will be consequences if he does not change his position.
Senator Chris Murphy emphasized the preference for a more active role by the U.S. in de-escalating the situation in the region.