In a rare and candid interview for Top Channel Exclusive, former U.S. Ambassador to Albania Christopher Hill offered some of the clearest statements to date regarding the political turbulence of Albania’s early transition period. His detailed recollections directly address long-standing Albanian narratives involving the United States, the rise of the Democratic Party (PD), the arrest of Fatos Nano, and America’s role in the fall of the communist regime.
 |
| Christopher Hill and an employee of the first American Embassy in Albania in 1990, after the fall of communism, raising glasses of alcoholic beverages |
Did the U.S. Approve Fatos Nano’s Arrest? Hill Says “100% No”
One of the most persistent political legends in Albania is the claim that Fatos Nano’s arrest in 1993—one year after the PD victory—was allegedly carried out with American approval.
Hill was crystal clear:
“This is 100% false. I was here until summer 1993. Never, in Europe or anywhere else, have I heard of a U.S. ambassador saying: ‘Put this person in jail.’”
He added that assigning blame to the U.S. was more of an anti-American narrative than a reflection of actual events. Hill stressed that Washington had no role, no authorization, and no political motivation to push for Nano’s imprisonment.
This statement directly challenges decades of political rhetoric in Albania that has often been used by various factions to strengthen their own narratives.
Hill on Sali Berisha: 35 Years Later, Still a Central Political Figure
When asked about Sali Berisha’s enduring presence at the top of Albanian politics, Hill offered a diplomatic but telling response:
“It’s extraordinary, but I stay away from judging internal politics.”
He acknowledged Berisha’s early pro-American stance, noting that he was recognized even in the early 1990s as a future major political factor, but made it clear that U.S. diplomats avoided endorsing individuals or internal party dynamics.
Hill refused to comment directly on Berisha’s non-grata designation by the U.S., stating it would be inappropriate for a former diplomat, though he personally prefers dialogue over sanctions.
Contacts With Albania’s Early Leaders: From Ramiz Alia to Gramoz Pashko
Hill described meeting nearly all key political figures of the transition:
- Ramiz Alia – “Very kind.”
- Ylli Bufi – “Helpful during the transitional government.”
- Fatos Nano – “Interesting; one foot in the old system, one in the new.”
- Genc Ruli – “Key economic figure.”
- Gramoz Pashko – One of Hill’s earliest contacts, remembered fondly for sharing a love of Western music.
Hill emphasized that U.S. diplomacy focused on building relationships, not choosing winners and losers.
America and the Fall of Communism in Albania: A Misunderstood Relationship
According to Hill, the Albanian people themselves brought down communism.
“These movements work only when they are genuine. The December 1990 student movement was authentic.”
However, Hill acknowledges that the presence of the newly reopened U.S. Embassy offered clarity and reassurance during the transition. Seeing the American flag above Tirana was symbolically powerful, helping people understand the direction Albania was heading.
Did the U.S. Help PD Win the 1992 Elections?
Hill rejects the idea that Washington orchestrated political outcomes. However, he describes indirect support through:
- American NGOs (NDI & IRI)
- Technical assistance
- Training programs
- Vehicles provided mostly to PD, which indirectly boosted their campaign reach
Still, according to Hill, the 1992 victory belonged to the Albanian people, not foreign intervention.
“We were there to support Albania’s stability, not to choose leaders.”
His job, he explained, was to help Albania understand how things looked from Washington, not to influence internal political competition.
The U.S. Goal: A Democratic, Stable Albania
Hill summarized the American mission during the early 1990s:
- Support democratization
- Assist institutions
- Offer technical and economic help
- Avoid direct involvement in party politics
He reiterated repeatedly that diplomats avoided appearing in rallies or political events, aware that any misstep would be interpreted as interference.
Why Hill’s Testimony Matters Today
For over 30 years, Albanian political debates have been shaped by conspiracy theories involving the U.S., whether about:
- Fatos Nano’s arrest
- PD’s political rise
- The fall of communism
- Washington’s role in designating leaders “non grata”
Hill’s statements offer rare firsthand clarity from a key witness and participant in Albania’s most transformative era.