Mascoli: The opening of the Ibar Bridge should only happen through dialogue and coordination with international community

Decision regarding the opening of the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica for vehicles must be made through dialogue and timely and effective coordination with the international community, KFOR Spokesperson Salvatore Mascoli stated.

"The NATO-led KFOR mission is fully focused on fulfilling its UN mandate, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999, and contributes to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, as well as the freedom of movement, at all times and impartially," he said in a statement provided to the media.

Regarding the potential opening of the bridge on the Ibar River, he pointed out that KFOR's position has been transparent and consistent throughout.

"Any decision in this regard must be made through dialogue and timely and effective coordination with the international community. In the meantime, KFOR will maintain its continuous presence at the bridge and will continue to conduct regular patrols in the surrounding areas," the KFOR spokesperson said.

He reminded that KFOR personnel recently conducted training on the bridge.

"This was part of our regular activities designed to test long-standing operational procedures and to maintain the highest standard of readiness of our troops," Mascoli said, adding that KFOR continues to monitor the situation.

"We are in a good position to respond to any security scenario and to continue to effectively carry out our UN mandate," he emphasized.