TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts.
The official said KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the bridge. NATO links the move to the improving security situation in Kosova. The alliance said it can reverse the process if security conditions change.
Meanwhile, Kosova’s acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla has welcomed the gradual withdrawal of KFOR troops and said police presence on the bridge would also decrease. The main bridge currently serves pedestrians only. Authorities announced plans in July 2024 to open it to vehicles, a move that triggered tensions and international concern.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has asked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to stop the reduction of KFOR’s presence at the bridge. In turn, NATO said Rutte remains in regular contact with Vucic. KFOR also said it will maintain a visible presence in northern and southern Mitrovica and provide a safe environment for all communities.
Mitrovica has remained divided since the 1999 war, with a Serb-majority north and an Albanian-majority south. The bridge has remained a sensitive security point and a focus of ethnic tensions.
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