Ulutaş with Lajcak: Every decision regarding the opening of the bridge in Mitrovica under EU mediation

KFOR Commander Major General Ozkan Ulutaş met with the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, at the EU Office in Pristina, where they discussed the security situation in Kosovo, KFOR announced. It was concluded that any decision regarding the opening of the Ibar Bridge must be made with EU mediation.

According to the statement, Ulutaş and Lajcak reviewed their very close cooperation and regular coordination between KFOR and the EU on the ground and discussed a range of topics of mutual interest that affect a safe and secure environment for all communities across Kosovo.

"They reiterated their commitment to continue cooperating for the benefit of security throughout Kosovo and regional stability. They also reaffirmed that any decision regarding the Mitrovica Bridge should be made within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue with EU mediation, which NATO continues to support, including the efforts of KFOR. This is crucial for the security of all communities. KFOR maintains a constant presence on the Mitrovica Bridge and conducts regular patrols in the surrounding areas," the statement said.

It added that KFOR continues to implement its mandate – based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999 – contributing to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially.

"KFOR is the third security response, after the Kosovo Police and EULEX, with which it works in close cooperation," the statement concluded.