Kurti: I am meeting with KFOR Commander today over opening of Ibar Bridge

Caretaker Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that he would meet with KFOR Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutas this afternoon to discuss, among other issues, the opening of the Ibar Bridge.

"This afternoon, I also have a meeting at the Government with the KFOR General, Commander Ozkan Ulutas. We are therefore in daily communication, both the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to ensure that everything proceeds peacefully and safely," Kurti said, Reporteri reported.

He said that there was constant communication with KFOR on the issue.

"When it comes to the plan for the full opening of the bridge, that is, bringing it fully under the control of the Kosovo Police, we are in constant communication with KFOR," Kurti said.

Kurti assessed that, following the construction of new bridges in Mitrovica, keeping the main bridge closed had become absurd.

"It should be recalled that, following the construction of the new bridges, it has become absurd for this bridge to remain closed. The fact that citizens have been able to move freely across those new bridges without any increase in incidents or tensions demonstrates that the movement of people and goods—that is, greater freedom of movement—is beneficial not only to the economy but also to peace and security," Kurti said.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, in a letter to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, expressed deep concern over KFOR's decision to withdraw from the Ibar Bridge and include the Kosovo Police in the "security architecture" around Visoki Decani Monastery.
Kosovo Online has also examined the issue of opening the main Ibar Bridge in an analysis.