State Department: US does not support any moves to change the Mitrovica Bridge status

The US State Department has stated that it does not support any changes to the current status of the bridge in Mitrovica, warning Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti not to proceed with unilateral actions, The Pavlovic Today reports.

"The United States does not support any moves to change the current status of the Mitrovica Bridge at this time. Opening the bridge to vehicle traffic now increases the potential for violence and puts at risk the local population as well as KFOR soldiers, including Americans, who are working to support peace and security in Kosovo," a State Department spokesperson said in response to The Pavlovic Today portal.

The spokesperson urged the Government of Kosovo to refrain from unilateral actions and instead address this issue within the EU-facilitated dialogue framework.

"We urge the Government of Kosovo not to take this uncoordinated, unilateral action and to discuss the issue within the EU-facilitated Dialogue," the spokesperson said.

The State Department emphasized that this position aligns with that of the Quint partners, as well as the EU and NATO.

According to the State Department, the goal of the United States is to "work with the Government of Kosovo to create conditions under which the bridge could open to vehicle traffic."

"To this end, the United States calls on the Government of Kosovo to return to close and constructive engagement with the United States and other international partners," the State Department concluded.