Remarks by DCM Demian Smith at the Memorial Event of NBI Investigative Candidates Completing FBI Training
Thank you all. I am Demian Smith, US Deputy Ambassador and I came to Albania a week ago. In fact, this is my first official activity outside the Embassy.
I can not think of a first official activity better than being here with you. I bring you the most sincere greetings and congratulations from Ambassador Kim.
I hope it is not a problem if I speak English, as I want to be precise about how true today is for you and for Albania.
Director Hajnaj, Chief Kraja, Head of Rodriguez Section, faculty members, family and friends and most importantly, you, the NBI class of 2021. On behalf of Ambassador Yuri Kim and the entire US Government, congratulations on your achievement.
Today, as you walk through the stage, you will receive your graduation certificate. You will become an NBI investigator. Out of 700 candidates, you are 27 who managed, the best of the best. Your country needs you, you will investigate some of the most important crimes in this country – corruption and organized crime. You are an example of the courage and commitment to move forward to serve your country during this important time.
The FBI also started with a small class of graduates. In the early 20th century, the United States Department of Justice did not have its own law enforcement agents. In 1908, Congress established the Bureau of Investigation.
The FBI’s first class was only 34 agents. But since that small beginning, the FBI has grown into an indispensable agency that keeps our country safe and protects our democratic institutions. There is a reason for the FBI’s success: dedicated men and women who work every day to support the FBI mission.
Like the first class of FBI agents, you have the unique opportunity to help build a stronger and more capable NBI. Your legacy, which will become part of the proud history of Albania, will be a great contribution to a better future for all Albanians.
Giving justice to your fellow citizens is an important and challenging mission. As President John F. Kennedy said of our space program on the Moon, we do these things “not because they are easy, but because they are difficult.” Justice reform in Albania has not been easy, fast or perfect, but you do it because it is difficult. And now we are seeing results. All institutions created by the adoption of the Justice Reform in 2016, are now fully operational. Last year at this time, Ambassador Yuri Kim congratulated Albania on the appointment of Aida Hajnaj as the first Director of the NBI, marking a major achievement in the implementation of Justice Reform.
Albania has now established the two institutions that make up the SPAK – the Special Prosecution Office (SPO) and the NBI. The SPO has worked without you, and now you will join forces against corruption and crime. Only with NBI – all of you – SPAK will be a complete success.
Stay in the war. Your partners around the world may shed light on bad actors, but it will be the SPAK that will do the hard work: investigating and prosecuting, working side by side to crack down on corruption and organized crime.
As you exit this graduation, you will be part of a new chapter of independent, trusted, efficient and reliable judicial institutions. Today is an important step forward in Albania’s fight against corruption and organized crime. NBI will show Albania that no one is above the law. It applies equally to everyone. The days of impunity for the rich and powerful are over. The people of Albania want it.
As always, the United States stands ready to support you. Whether it is to develop NBI as an institution; whether you will increase your professional skills; or to provide assistance to the NBI.
Thank you very much everyone. Description, please accept the best wishes from Ambassador Kim and I, as well as from the entire US Government. We are very proud to call Albania, friend.