Bridge opening decision on Iber, citizens skeptical of implementation

Albanians have welcomed this decision and say there will be no incidents if the same opens immediately, while Serbs say the political situation may be the reason for implementing this decision to take place a little later.

Agon Gashi, a citizen from northern Mitrovica, supports the decision of the northern Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, although implementation views it as a problem.

It's a good decision the Northern Community has made to open the main bridge, but I don't know if it's time now, because it's not just a municipal issue, but an international... I don't know if there will be consequences among us residents or even diplomatic consequences, but... implementing such a decision will be a problem, he said.

Dragan Milic, a citizen from northern Mitrovica, has announced to Kosovo that it is not yet time for the opening and circulation of even vehicles on this bridge.

He expressed confidence that one day the bridge will open when political circumstances, according to him, mature.

I don't think it's time to open up yet. Political circumstances are not yet ripe for such a thing ...D or have problems in implementing this because people don't think the same because of the political situation which we have to admit is uncompetitive between organs in Pristina and Belgrade... I don't know, but I still think the time will come for a common life”, Milic said.

Meanwhile, Osman Jashar, a citizen from southern Mitrovica, stressed that the bridge must be opened and there will be no consequences or incidents because it is something for the benefit of both communities.

I think it's best to open bridges for both sides. We have not fought to be blocked, but to be free Kosovo, to move freely... I don't think there's any aftereffects because that's good for them and for us. It's not good to be trapped, neither they, nor we”, he said.

Kosova Prees has tried to contact the leader of the Northern Mitrovica Municipal Assembly, Nexhat Uglanin, but he has been so far away.

A day earlier, Vetevendosje Movement asganist Aida Ferati-Doli, who brought this initiative to the municipal session, told Kosova Press that the demand for the opening of the bridge was also of Serbian citizens. According to her, citizens want to circulate freely in their town.

On the other hand, EU emissary for Kosovo-Serbia dialogue Miroslav Lajcak said it is not the right time to open the bridge over Iber.

The Serbian List reacted by saying the decision would have consequences, while the Kosovo government has not yet commented on the same.