Serb List: We oppose the withdrawal or reduction of KFOR's presence on the Ibar Bridge

The Serb List today issued a statement on behalf of the Serbian people expressing opposition to the withdrawal or any reduction in the presence of KFOR personnel on the main bridge over the Ibar River, adding that it had requested an urgent meeting with KFOR Commander General Ozkan Ulutas on the matter.

The Serb List pointed out that, given the extremely complex political and security situation, as well as the fact that the area around the main bridge has for decades been the site of serious tensions and clashes, any decision that could affect security at this sensitive location must be taken with the utmost care and with full consideration for the concerns of citizens.

For this reason, they said, they requested an urgent meeting with the KFOR Commander, at which they intend to convey the serious concerns of the Serbian people in northern Kosovo, as well as their request for this activity to be suspended.

"We particularly emphasize that, through their actions to date, members of the Kosovo Police have failed to earn the trust of the Serbian people. On the contrary, their conduct in numerous situations, including their support for actions that we consider unlawful and directed against the Serbian people and their institutions, has further deepened distrust and the sense of insecurity among Serbs," the Serb List stated.

They added that they cannot influence how KFOR implements the mandate entrusted to it under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, but stressed that it is unacceptable for the issue of security on the main bridge to be handled in a manner that could create additional insecurity among citizens, particularly at a time when tensions on the ground are high.

The Serb List also stated that KFOR's presence at the location has particular security significance for the Serbian people and represents an important factor of stability.

"We therefore expect KFOR to consider the concerns of citizens with the utmost seriousness and to refrain from taking steps that could undermine their sense of security or further aggravate the already complex situation on the ground. We call on KFOR to maintain an adequate presence on the main bridge and, through its actions, to continue contributing to the preservation of peace, security, and stability for all citizens," the Serb List added in its statement.

Earlier today, RTK reported that, after 27 years, the Kosovo Police had begun assuming responsibility for security on the main bridge over the Ibar River. However, Kosovo Police Lieutenant Erduan Baliqi told Kosovo Online that there had been no changes on the bridge.

Meanwhile, KFOR announced that it had today begun integrating Kosovo Police personnel into KFOR's security architecture at the Visoki Decani Monastery.