Kurti: The bridge over the Ibar River will be opened for traffic as soon as possible

(Patria) - Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that the bridge over the Ibar River will be opened for vehicle traffic as soon as possible because it is in the interest of all citizens of Kosovo and that allies will be informed in advance about the reopening of the bridge which, as Kurti said, separates Serbs and Albanians in the divided city of Mitrovica.

"We want to do this as soon as possible, but we will not surprise our European and American partners, friends, and allies. On the other hand, we will not be able to allow this issue to be dragged out indefinitely. Our will and intention are good, and we believe that opening this bridge is the right, necessary, good, and beneficial thing for everyone," said Kurti, appearing on a TV show of the Albanian service of Voice of America, directly from Chicago, where he is participating in the convention of the American Democratic Party at the invitation of the National Democratic Institute.

Kurti once again emphasized that the opening of the bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica is a benefit for all citizens of Kosovo, adding that the bridge should have been opened when Kosovo was liberated 25 years ago and that the Kosovo authorities want to ensure the free movement of all citizens, goods, and capital.

"I am optimistic that we will have the rule of law and freedom of movement on one side, and peace and security on the other. Opening the bridge over the Ibar River is not against anyone. It is for the Serbian community, for Albanians, for Bosniaks, and for all other minorities, such as Turks, Egyptians, Ashkali, and Roma. Europe has torn down all walls. We are in Europe, and we must open this bridge too," said Kurti.

In mid-July, the Kosovo Government announced that it plans to open the bridge over the Ibar River for traffic, which caused reactions from international officials who believe that opening the bridge at this moment would lead to increased tensions in Kosovo.

The US believes that opening the bridge for vehicle traffic would increase the potential for violence and endanger the local population, as well as KFOR soldiers, including Americans, who work to support peace and security in Kosovo.

While the Kosovo Government emphasizes that opening the bridge would ensure freedom of movement, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić believes that such a decision is unilateral and has called on the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR) not to allow the opening of the bridge over the Ibar River.