Hodges: CIA chief's visit relates to building a resistance against Moscow's criminal influences

Hodges has indicated that he believes the US Administration is aware of Russia's efforts to destabilise Balkan countries and get away from the integration path.

“This is part of the American Administration's efforts to support allies in the Balkans and friends”, Hoxhas told Journal Express asked about the reason why the CIA chief has visited Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

A visit to such a level is rare in the region and Burns during his meetings has certainly left some orders. According to Hodges, the CIA chief has made it clear at meetings held that nothing good comes from closer co-operation with Moscow”.

For retired American General, the CIA chief's visit to the region relates to building a resistance against Russian dezinforms and Moscow's criminal influences and to introduce the region's closer to the West.

Hodges hopes that the Burns visit will have a positive impact on the process of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, as it argues that such a “visit comes with a great preparation and offering support and encouragement”.

As for the Kosovo Government's actions in relation to the country's north and whether it is encouraging for Kosovo to co-operate closely with the US in this period of great uncertainty, Hoxhas says he thinks it is vital that the US, the EU and NATO continue supporting the aspirations of Balkan people, to be able to enjoy their freedoms and the benefits of democracy.

CIA chief William Burns has stayed in Sarajevo, Belgrade Sofia, Skopje, and has also realised an unprecedented visit to Kosovo. On August 22nd, the head of the US intelligence agency met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, and on the morning of August 23rd has also met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurtin.

Burns has visited Kosovo at the moment when reports between the Government of Kosovo and the US are angry. US Ambassador Jeff Houvenier has not hesitated to raise the alarm for such a thing, saying the quality of the alliance has been damaged by some actions of the government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

It's important to clarify an issue that some have told us is confusing. Many of you have seen media reports of certain differences between the United States and other members of the international community with certain actions and political elections of the Government of Kosovo led by Albin Kurti. As I said in an interview last week, we are facing certain challenges set out with the current Government of Kosovo, and these challenges have absolutely affected the quality of our” partnership, Houvenier has declared.