Wigemark: The decision to open the bridge on the Ibar must not be unilateral; the voice of the Serbs must be heard

Head of the EULEX Mission, Lars Gunnar Wigemark, said that the situation in the north of Kosovo was currently calm, but that there were many tensions "under the surface", and that the decision to open the bridge on the Ibar must not be unilateral, Gazeta Express reports.

Wigemark stated that, due to the series of incidents that had occurred, EULEX called for restraint.

"We have had a number of incidents and that is why we call on everyone to exercise restraint. When it comes to the opening of the bridge, which was discussed by the North Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, and for which the European Union was very clear that it should be discussed in the context of dialogue, no one should undertake unilateral decisions, especially at this moment when we are at an important and sensitive point in the dialogue and in general in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia," Wigemark said.

He added that at the local level, one could hear how important it was to listen to the local population in both South and North Mitrovica.

"Especially when it comes to Kosovo Serbs, their voice must be heard," Wigemark stressed.

He called on the parties to refrain from provocative rhetoric, especially at a time when the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia was being conducted.

"We continue our reconnaissance patrols together with our colleagues from the Kosovo Police and KFOR, we have synchronized patrols. It is important to try to stabilize the situation. We call on everyone to show restraint and give the dialogue time and space to find a solution," Wigemark concluded.