Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani has called for coordination with international allies and the avoidance of any conflict with NATO regarding the opening of the Ibër Bridge for vehicle traffic.
Her office confirmed that the U.S. has shared security assessments with the President concerning the opening of the Ibër Bridge, highlighting risks to the lives of American soldiers.
President Osmani indicated that KFOR might intervene against the Kosovo Police if there is no prior coordination.
“The bridge must be opened, but we must ensure that once it is opened, it remains open. We don’t want the opening to trigger a much larger NATO presence. Is it in Kosovo’s interest to see a conflict between our Police and American soldiers? I don’t believe there is an Albanian on this earth who would agree with that… We have no reason to have conflicts with our allies. They have saved us,” said Osmani.
President Osmani reiterated that the issue of opening the bridge cannot be discussed with Serbia in dialogue, as demanded by the international community, because, according to her, this would violate the sovereignty of the state.
She also sent a message to the Kurti Government, which insists on opening the bridge despite U.S. requests that the timing is not appropriate.
“It’s unforgivable,” Osmani said.
Visar Ymeri from the Musine Kokalari Institute also believes that the Kosovo government should heed the calls of its partners, adding that there is a significant risk of sanctions against Kosovo.
“Western diplomats are using much harsher language towards Kurti because they believe the Kurti government is ignoring an important aspect—the risk to KFOR soldiers, as no country wants to endanger its soldiers,” Ymeri stated.
Meanwhile, analyst Afrim Kasolli said that all the noise surrounding the opening of the Ibër Bridge is for political points.
“Perhaps the Kosovo government rushed this move due to political calculations. A different strategy should have been followed, discussing the issue discreetly with Western officials, leading to the bridge’s opening without media noise or sensation. Kosovo has once again positioned itself in opposition to its partners, whose assistance is vital,” Kasolli said.
The Kosovo government, through a contracted company, has already completed technical tests on the Ibër Bridge, confirming it is stable for vehicle traffic. While no date has been set, they have stated that the public will be informed of the decision regarding the opening.
