KFOR has confirmed to KoSSev this morning that it has not been involved in the ongoing technical inspection of the bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica. This clarification follows media reports suggesting that the inspection was conducted in collaboration with the NATO-led KFOR mission.
In a statement to KoSSev, KFOR decisively rejected media claims that cited an alleged statement from Kosovo’s Infrastructure Minister, Hysen Durmishi, suggesting that the bridge testing was coordinated with KFOR.
Although KFOR acknowledged being informed about the inspection, they emphasized that the mission had no role in this activity.
“We are aware of reports that the ongoing technical inspection of the bridge over the Ibar/Ibër river in Mitrovica has been coordinated with the NATO-led KFOR mission. This is not accurate. KFOR has not been involved in this activity in any way. Our statement on 6th of August 2024 was clear; the KFOR Commander, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, was informed by the Director of the Kosovo Police that day of the initial inspection, a few hours before it started,” KFOR told KoSSev.
They reiterated that the issue of opening the bridge over the Ibar is a matter to be resolved within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
“We will not hesitate to tackle any development that may affect the security environment and regional stability, in full respect of our UN mandate.”
The bridge testing, conducted yesterday following an announcement from Pristina, reportedly cost around €10,000. The test involved four heavily loaded trucks assessing the bridge’s capacity to support both passenger and freight vehicles. A structural integrity report is expected in the coming days.
Security was tight during the inspection, with Carabinieri stationed on the northern side of the bridge, accompanied by three KFOR members and an increased presence of Kosovo Police. Additionally, as part of the operation, the southern pillars of the bridge were repainted, covering multi-ethnic graffiti previously created by activists from both the North and South.
The following day, the same company repainted the edges of the „Braća Milić“ Square on the northern side of the bridge, which sparked an incident when activists from the Serbian Democracy Party tried to intervene. Their arrest and subsequent release, following public protests, further escalated tensions in the region.
In recent days, Kosovo ministers, including Xhelal Sveçla and Elbert Krasniqi, have been seen touring the bridge. While Krasniqi admitted to having no knowledge of the bridge’s technical aspects, Sveçla was observed personally inspecting the bridge’s railings.
Tensions Over the Possible Bridge Reopening
A new wave of calls from Pristina authorities to reopen the bridge over the Ibar is currently underway.
Last week, Kosovo authorities presented their plan to reopen the Mitrovica bridge to Quint and EU diplomatic representatives. However, the U.S. ambassador emphasized that Quint does not support any changes to the current status of the bridge.
The EU and Quint insist that this issue should be addressed within the framework of the Brussels dialogue, a stance opposed by Pristina. The ruling Vetëvendosje party continues to push for the bridge’s opening.
Following a statement from U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier, the Kosovo government, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti, stated that they will continue consultations and coordination with the international community on the bridge issue. However, developments on the ground indicate movement towards reopening the bridge.
Two days ago, a protest was held by local Serbs at the “Braća Milić” Square, who voted by acclamation against reopening the main Ibar Bridge to traffic.
Yesterday, EU spokesperson Peter Stano hinted at the possibility of an increase in punitive measures against Kosovo if it fails to heed its Western partners and continues with unilateral and uncoordinated actions.
“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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