France has strongly condemned the increasing unilateral actions by Kosovan authorities in northern Kosovo that affect the daily lives of the Serbian community, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs released today.
The actions taken by the government in Pristina, according to the French statement, „threaten the efforts to normalize relations with Serbia,“ which they note is a prerequisite for achieving „the European perspective for both countries.“
France has called on Kosovan authorities to refrain from „new unilateral actions“ that would, they emphasize, further escalate tensions.
“France calls on the Kosovan authorities to refrain from any new unilateral actions that would further contribute to the escalation of tensions. We urge both sides to return to the negotiating table, under the auspices of the European Union, to advance the implementation of the Brussels-Ohrid Agreement,” the statement read.
This reaction from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs came a day after the testing of the bridge over the Ibar River for vehicle traffic and the repainting of graffiti at Braća Milić Square, particularly the Serbian tricolor—a move that led to an incident when Serbian Democratic Party activists attempted to prevent it.
Arrest of Serbian Democratic Leaders in Northern Mitrovica Sparks Protests and Tensions
Just before the arrests, a public meeting was held at the Municipality of Northern Mitrovica to discuss the opening of the main bridge.
Opening the Bridge After 25 Years?
A new wave of calls from Pristina authorities to open the Ibar Bridge is currently underway.
Last week, Kosovan authorities presented their plan for reopening the Mitrovica bridge to Quint and EU diplomatic representatives. Following this, the U.S. Ambassador highlighted on behalf of the Quint that there is no support for any changes to the current status of the bridge.
The European Union and Quint insist that this issue should be addressed within the framework of the Brussels dialogue, a position opposed by Pristina. The ruling Self-Determination party continues to push for the bridge’s opening.
Following Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier’s statement, the Kosovan government, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti, indicated that they would continue consultations and coordination with the international community regarding the bridge issue. However, developments on the ground suggest a move towards opening the bridge.
Two days ago, a protest was held at Braća Milić Square by local Serbs, where they unanimously adopted a resolution against opening the Ibar Bridge to traffic.
Citizens Reject Ibar Bridge Reopening in Protest in North Mitrovica
Yesterday, EU spokesperson Peter Stano hinted at the possibility of increased sanctions against Kosovo if it does not heed its Western partners and continues with unilateral and uncoordinated actions.
EU Warns Kosovo of Possible Escalation of Punitive Measures Amid Rising Tensions
“We have clearly communicated our position to our partners in Kosovo, in many ways, and through many partners. It is not just the European Union; essentially, all international partners of Kosovo are telling the administration in Pristina not to engage in a series of counterproductive, negative, unilateral, and uncoordinated steps. We hope that they will finally hear the message and prevent us from considering what measures we will contemplate if the situation does not change,” Stano said.
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