DASH: Opening the Mitrovica bridge at this time would increase the likelihood of violence

2024-08-14 19:25:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

DASH: Opening the Mitrovica bridge at this time would increase the likelihood of

The US State Department said on Wednesday that opening the Mitrovica bridge at this time would increase the likelihood of violence and called on the Kosovo government to "not take this uncoordinated action".

A State Department spokesperson told VOA that the United States does not support "any move to change the current status of the Mitrovica bridge at this time."

"Opening the bridge to vehicular traffic now increases the potential for violence and endangers the local population as well as KFOR soldiers - including the Americans - who are working to support peace and security in Kosovo," the spokesman's statement said.

DASH calls on the government of Kosovo not to take this action, which it considers "uncoordinated and one-sided".

The United States calls on the government to discuss this issue within the framework of the EU-facilitated Dialogue.

"This is a position we share with our Quint partners – France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom – as well as with the EU and NATO. And it is a position that we have made very clear, both publicly and privately", continues the spokesperson's statement.

The State Department says that the objective of the United States is to work with the government of Kosovo to create the conditions in which the bridge can be opened for vehicle traffic.

"Therefore, we call on the Government of Kosovo to return to close and constructive engagement with the United States and other international partners", concludes the statement.

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said today during a government meeting that the opening of the bridge is not against anyone and even less against Kosovo's allies.

"The Government of the Republic of Kosovo and I as the Prime Minister deeply believe that freedom of movement and the rule of law on the one hand and peace and security on the other are possible together and right for the country, society and state, citizens and communities. We will continue consultations and coordination with our partners, the opening of the bridge is not against anyone," he said.

The peacekeeping forces led by NATO in Kosovo have increased their presence on the main bridge over the Iber in Mitrovica, which also marks the dividing line between the two municipalities of this city.

Western diplomacy has repeatedly emphasized since the government of Kosovo expressed its intention to open the bridge that it is not the right moment for such a thing.

Prime Minister Kurti insisted that the opening of the bridge would serve free movement./ REL