Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani has vehemently rejected discussions in Brussels regarding the opening of the Ibar Bridge, branding recent statements from European Union officials as “racist.” Osmani’s accusation comes amid ongoing disputes over the bridge, a symbolically and politically charged site in the divided town of Mitrovica.
Despite showing openness to coordinating with the United States on the matter, President Osmani has firmly opposed any dialogue in Brussels, asserting that the bridge’s status is a sovereign issue for Kosovo. Her remarks come as EU officials, including Special Envoy Miroslav Lajčák, insist that the matter should be addressed within the framework of the EU-led dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
Tensions Rise Over Bridge Opening
As Pristina pushes forward with plans to open the bridge, EU representatives have reiterated the need for discussions in Brussels. Lajčák, in a post on the social media platform X, emphasized that the bridge’s future must be discussed as part of the ongoing dialogue mediated by the EU.
Previously, EU spokesperson Peter Stano warned that Kosovo could face “scaled-up measures” if it continues with unilateral actions.
However, Kosovo’s leadership has repeatedly opposed international calls for Brussels-based talks on the issue, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasizing that the matter was settled in 2017.
Other officials in Pristina echoed this sentiment, arguing that the bridge is a domestic issue that does not require further negotiations with Serbia.
Accusations of Racism
In a statement during a visit to the municipality of Vitina, President Osmani accused the EU of racism, specifically targeting its spokespersons without naming individuals.
„As for the European Union, the statements of its spokespersons are primarily racist; I don’t believe they deserve my attention. I have opposed these racist statements,“ Osmani declared.
She continued by rejecting any discussion of the bridge in Brussels, arguing that it would violate Kosovo’s constitution and sovereignty.
Osmani also criticized the EU’s stance, suggesting that Serbia should not be consulted on issues within Kosovo’s territory.
Conversely, Osmani advocated for coordination with the United States on the bridge issue, highlighting the necessity and benefits of dialogue with what she described as Kosovo’s „saviors.“
She noted that U.S. representatives have not expressed opposition to opening the bridge but have urged a coordinated approach to ensure security.
Osmani stressed that the opening of the Ibar Bridge should be a „permanent success, not a temporary one,“ emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and stability.
„The bridge should never have been closed. It was closed purely for political reasons. It certainly needs to be reopened, but we must ensure that it remains open after it is reopened and that its reopening does not lead to a significantly increased NATO presence on it. We have no reason to have conflicts with our allies,“ said Osmani.
Other Kosovan officials also critical of the EU
Kosovo’s Minister of Local Government Administration, Elbert Krasniqi, also criticized the EU’s stance on the bridge, questioning why the EU had moved from advocating for the immediate opening of the bridge to calling for further talks. Krasniqi challenged Lajčák to explain this change in position.
In response, and after the Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Besnik Bislimi, presented similar accusations against the EU envoy, Lajčák denied any change in the EU’s stance and dismissed claims that the EU opposes the opening of the bridge.
He urged Pristina not to impose decisions against the will of the people, warning that such actions would not contribute to the normalization of relations.
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