TIRANA: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday barred former Albanian president and prime minister Sali Berisha and his family from entering the United States due to "corrupt acts" and abuse of power.

Blinken said in a statement that Berisha, as prime minister in particular, was involved in "corrupt acts such as misappropriation of public funds and interfering with public processes, including using his power for his own benefit and to enrich his political allies and his family members". Blinken said on Twitter that Berisha had undermined democracy in Albania. "I am publicly designating Berisha and his immediate family members as ineligible for entry into the United States," he tweeted. "We remain #UnitedAgainstCorruption with our partners in Albania."