Kosovo, as it should in every action it takes, must coordinate with the international community, even for decisions that are within Kosovo’s territory and are internal matters.
One such issue remains the opening of the Ibar Bridge, something that international representatives themselves are opposing.
Recently, in addition to the EU, QUINT states have also expressed opposition to the opening of the Ibar Bridge.
The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo himself has stated that now is not the time to open the bridge.
“We, the representatives of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, met with Prime Minister Kurti to inform him that our governments, in consultation with NATO, cannot support any changes to the current status of the Mitrovica Bridge at this time,” said Ambassador Hovenier.
Political analyst Driton Tali has stated that QUINT’s approach to this issue is truly incomprehensible.
According to him, the opening of the bridge becoming a topic of discussion in Brussels is nonsensical. He adds that this not only undermines the Republic of Kosovo but also the many international institutions involved in Kosovo, such as KFOR.
“To be honest, I don’t understand this approach, especially from our friends in QUINT.
It’s completely normal and logical to have concerns about the structural stability of the bridge, given that it was built a long time ago and hasn’t been in use, but that’s a matter for construction and architectural experts to analyze and give their verdict on, not politicians.
As for the political aspect, I don’t see why the opening of the bridge should be discussed with Serbia in Brussels?!
It’s nonsense!
This not only undermines the Republic of Kosovo but also the many international institutions involved in Kosovo, such as KFOR. Because it raises the question: Is KFOR not capable of managing any potential unrest organized by Serbia?!
And how is the opening of bridges ‘anti-EU or anti-Euro-Atlantic policy’ when bridges symbolize the integration and unification of people!?” he said.
According to him, there will be no escalation from the Serbian community because they will benefit from the opening of this bridge.
“As for political unrest from the Serbian community, I don’t believe there will be any because the Serbian community living in that part of our country will be the biggest beneficiaries of the bridge opening to traffic.
Therefore, I expect that QUINT will soon reflect on the fact that the bridge poses no problem for the Serbs on that side but, on the contrary, bridges always unite people,” he concluded to Bota Sot.
