Prime Minister Albin Kurti has reiterated the importance of opening the bridge over the Ibër River, stating that the process has already been delayed. He emphasized that the issue will not be dragged out further and that the bridge must be opened as soon as possible.
Kurti remarked that the bridge should have been opened 25 years ago when Kosovo was liberated.
“The bridge over the Ibër River should have been opened when Kosovo was liberated 25 years ago. It should not have been closed when Kosovo declared independence 16 years ago, and it should have been opened 8 years ago based on the Brussels Agreement and the implementation plan. We are three times overdue, and what we need to do now is ensure free movement for everyone on both sides of the Ibër River, with the rule of law that excludes no one, which represents the very essence of a democratic state. You must understand that we cannot say that the rule of law and free movement apply everywhere in Kosovo for everyone except at the main bridge on the Ibër River,” Kurti said in a live broadcast from Chicago for Voice of America.
Kurti further mentioned that they are paying close attention to all the concerns and suggestions from international partners.
“We are listening carefully to all concerns and suggestions. I’ve never had more consultations and coordination, and I am optimistic that we will achieve both the rule of law and freedom of movement on one hand, and peace and security on the other. The opening of the bridge is not against anyone; it is for the Serbian community, for Albanians, for Bosniaks, and for all minorities. Europe has torn down all walls; we are in Europe, and we must also open this bridge.”
The Prime Minister insisted that they will not allow this issue to be delayed indefinitely and reiterated that the bridge must be opened.
“We are interested in opening the bridge based on the plan we have shared with our American and European allies. We have consulted with the Serbs in northern Kosovo, as well as in the south, with Albanians from both northern and southern municipalities. We have tested the bridge’s stability and are working on a design and beautification because we must take care of the visual appearance of this bridge. We want to do it as soon as possible, but we will not surprise our partners on one hand, nor will we allow this issue to be dragged out indefinitely. We have good intentions and will. Opening this bridge is beneficial for everyone.”
