The issue of opening the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica has become a topic of discussion in recent weeks. On this matter, the country’s leaders were questioned on Monday in separate interviews—Osmani on Radio Free Europe and Kurti on Voice of America.
The head of state stated that the opening of the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica should be done based on a plan with international partners.
“As the implementation plan of the agreement reached in August 2016 envisages, we must have joint security assessments with our partners, and after those assessments and the joint plan, it will then determine the date,” President Osmani said to Radio Free Europe.
The reopening of the bridge for vehicular traffic, which divides Mitrovica into a predominantly Albanian south and a predominantly Serbian north, has been opposed by the international community and local Serbs. Italian KFOR soldiers are stationed on the bridge over the Ibër River, and Kosovo Police officers are also nearby.
The QUINT countries—USA, UK, France, Germany, and Italy—have called the Kosovar government’s intention to reopen the bridge at this time unilateral. The European Union has urged that the issue of the bridge be discussed in dialogue with Serbia.
President Osmani stated that “the bridge over the Ibër River should be opened and its opening has been delayed for eight years.”
“Whenever Kosovo has cooperated with its partners in its history, it has always succeeded,” Osmani emphasized.
She mentioned that she discussed this issue with Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, a month ago.
According to Osmani, reopening the bridge topic in Brussels with Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, is dangerous.
“This issue is resolved as far as dialogue with Serbia is concerned, but there must be coordination with our international partners, especially NATO.”
The President stressed that internal coordination in Kosovo with allies would also have an impact internationally, increasing confidence and enthusiasm to support Kosovo, both in terms of new recognitions and membership in international organizations.
Regarding the actions of the Kosovo Government in the north, Osmani said that they have been in accordance with Kosovo’s Constitution over the past two years, but emphasized that sometimes there is a need for more space to discuss with citizens to ensure understanding of the purpose.
Osmani described as terrible for the citizens in the north what she called illegal and criminal interventions in northern Kosovo by Vučić. The President stated that there can be no integration of the Serbian citizens in the north while they are, according to her, under the pressure of criminal gangs.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti also spoke about the opening of the bridge.
He said that the Ibër Bridge should have been opened right after Kosovo’s liberation, adding that the delay in its opening is unjustifiable.
According to him, the concerns of international actors on this issue are being taken into account, but he emphasized that the opening of the bridge is an urgent need.
In an interview with Voice of America, Kurti expressed that Europe has demolished all dividing walls, and the Ibër Bridge should also be opened.
He underlined that the aim is to carry out this action as soon as possible, ensuring that the process will be coordinated with European and American partners.
“The opening of the bridge is a necessary action for all citizens, without exception,” Kurti said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the state is very late in opening the bridge, mentioning that it should have been opened when Kosovo was liberated 25 years ago, when independence was declared 16 years ago, and then according to the Brussels agreement eight years ago.
He added that the opening of the bridge would facilitate the free movement of citizens and goods on both sides of the river, thereby strengthening the rule of law.
Kurti also called for understanding from all involved actors, emphasizing that the rule of law and freedom of movement should apply throughout Kosovo, including the bridge over the Ibër River.
He expressed optimism about achieving a sustainable solution that will ensure peace and security for all citizens.
In conclusion, Kurti emphasized that the process of opening the bridge has been carried out in close cooperation with international partners and local communities, ensuring that every technical and aesthetic aspect is taken into account.
“The opening of the bridge is a step towards shared progress,” he concluded.
