TIRANA, August 26 – KFOR has no mandate to decide whether the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica, Kosova should reopen to vehicle traffic, Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, said. He said the decision rests with the European Union and the relevant institutions in Kosova.
Wikoff explained that NATO’s assessment of the security situation determines KFOR’s presence at the bridge. Although KFOR will withdraw its permanent presence, its personnel will remain in the surrounding areas. The mission also said that law enforcement does not fall within its mandate.
At the same time, KFOR continues to work closely with security organisations in Kosova, including the Kosova Police, while applying the principle of fair and equal treatment of all communities. On August 10, the mission announced the gradual withdrawal of its permanent presence from the bridge. It has also begun gradually integrating the Kosovo Police into security arrangements at Deçan Monastery.
Meanwhile, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced a meeting with the KFOR commander on Saturday. KFOR later said it had cancelled the meeting, while Kurti had said the opening of the Ibër Bridge to vehicles would be among the issues discussed.
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