A visit aimed at supporting the region against Russia’s destabilizing agendas. This is how Ben Hodges, former U.S. Army Commander for Europe, views the visit of the CIA Chief to the region. In an interview with Gazeta Express, Hodges expressed his belief that the U.S. Administration is aware of Russia’s efforts to destabilize Balkan countries and steer them away from the path of integration. “This is part of the U.S. Administration’s efforts to support its allies and friends in the Balkans,” Hodges said in response to questions about the CIA Chief’s visit to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.
Such a high-level visit is rare in the region, and Burns likely delivered some important messages during his meetings. According to Hodges, the CIA Chief made it clear in his meetings that “nothing good comes from closer cooperation with Moscow.”
For the retired American general, the CIA Chief’s visit to the region is related to building resistance against Russian disinformation and criminal influences from Moscow, and to further integrate the region with the West.
Hodges hopes that Burns’ visit will positively impact the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia, emphasizing that such a visit “comes with significant preparation and offers of support and encouragement.”
Regarding the actions of the Kosovo Government in relation to the north of the country and whether it is imperative for Kosovo to closely cooperate with the U.S. during this period of great uncertainty, Hodges says it is vital for the U.S., EU, and NATO to continue supporting the aspirations of the people of the Balkans to enjoy their freedoms and the benefits of democracy.
CIA Chief William Burns visited Sarajevo, Belgrade, Sofia, Skopje, and also made an unannounced visit to Kosovo. On August 22, the head of the American intelligence agency met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, and on the morning of August 23, he also met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Burns visited Kosovo at a time when relations between the Kosovo Government and the U.S. were strained. U.S. Ambassador Jeff Hovenier did not hesitate to raise the alarm about this, stating that the quality of the alliance has been damaged by some actions of the government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
“It is important to clarify an issue that some have said is confusing. Many of you have seen media reports about some differences between the United States and other members of the international community regarding certain actions and political choices of the Kosovo Government led by Albin Kurti. As I said in an interview last week, we are facing certain challenges with the current Kosovo Government, and these challenges have absolutely affected the quality of our partnership,” Hovenier said.
