Deli Balidemaj, a Member of Parliament from Kosovo in the Upper Bavarian State Parliament, considers it the right moment to open the Ibër Bridge, while also expressing criticism towards international actors.
Balidemaj stated that internal matters should not be negotiated with Serbia and also criticized the approach of opposition parties toward the issue of the Ibër Bridge.
He asserted that the opening of the bridge would serve the Serbian community by helping them integrate and that it should not be a point of contention.
“I believe that the Bridge should have been opened years ago because bridges around the world are meant to unite people, facilitate the flow of capital and movement of people, and not to divide. The Ibër Bridge has symbolized division since the war, and the sooner it is opened, I believe the Serbian community will have the opportunity to join other communities living in Kosovo and lift a heavy burden that acts as a wall before them, symbolized by such a bridge.”
Balidemaj also criticized the international community for insisting on coordination in every action taken by the Kurti Government.
“The international community has provided such ideas, and in recent years, every action taken by the Government of Kosovo has required coordination, which has always been good, but even coordination has its limits. I think Kosovo no longer has time to lose because, without settling relations with the Serbian community, it will be very difficult for Kosovo to attract foreign investors,” he said, while also addressing the issue of youth migration. Balidemaj sees this phenomenon as concerning.
“We are witnessing that young people are leaving in large numbers, and Kosovo is being left without young, educated, and intelligent people—resources that this country needs. The sooner interpersonal relations in Kosovo are stabilized, allowing the Serbian community to feel that Kosovo is their home where they want to live, the faster Kosovo’s path to development will be. International elements and different countries have their interests not only in Europe but globally. Currently, we have two terrible wars occurring not far from us, and politicians and various states have their long-term plans, in which Kosovo occupies a very small place.”
The MP in Bavaria finds it absurd to discuss the opening of a bridge that is already passable for pedestrians. He pointed out that there are two other bridges nearby where vehicles can also cross.
“Discussing the opening of this bridge with anyone, which is actually open because pedestrians move across it, and there are also two other bridges nearby where vehicles can move, I wouldn’t allow such a discussion. The international community must respect the Government of Kosovo and the decisions it makes because they are in the best interest of the country and all communities,” he stated.
He further mentioned to EO that the government led by Albin Kurti should not negotiate internal matters, especially the issue of the Ibër Bridge, in dialogue with Serbia.
“I do not think that such matters, especially internal issues, should be negotiated. It is surprising that KFOR troops have been stationed on the bridge because KFOR is here to protect the external borders. There are some individuals lobbying for various international actors’ interests, which does not necessarily align with the interests of the citizens of Kosovo. It is also surprising the stance of the opposition in Kosovo—everyone knows that their principled role is to monitor, assist, and correct the government during its activities,” he concluded.
