Citizens Demand the Opening of the Bridge Over the Ibër River

Citizens in the southern part of Mitrovica are urging the Kosovo government to take swift action to open the bridge over the Ibar River for vehicular traffic. Meanwhile, members of the Serbian community have declined to comment on the matter. The North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly notes that the sentiment is the same among their residents. Despite the lack of support for the bridge’s opening from the Quint states, security experts insist that the government should implement its plan. They do not anticipate a rise in tensions as a result.

For more than two decades, this bridge has symbolized ethnic division in Mitrovica. The stones placed on it prevent vehicles from crossing, forcing citizens to take longer routes from south to north and vice versa.

As the Kosovo government aims to open the bridge, citizens are hopeful that actions will be taken promptly.

Members of the Serbian community declined to comment on the issue.

However, the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly states that the sentiment is shared among Serbian residents, who also want the bridge to open.

According to Skender Sadiku, Deputy Chair of the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, this could happen within this year.

Security experts indicate that preparations for the bridge’s opening are complete and believe that such a move will not escalate tensions.

Prime Minister Kurti presented the plan for the bridge’s opening to the Quint states and the EU on Friday, but they opposed changing the status of the Ibar River bridge.