Bridge of Ibr, Presidency: The U.S. has shared risk assessments with Osman for American soldiers

Kupina said the United States has not expressed at any meeting its position against the opening of the Ibër Bridge, but, according to him, have only sought co-operation in determining the most appropriate moment to do so.

“As to your question of whether the Kosovo Presidency has received any official warning from NATO or the rest of the international factor, we confirm that the United States of America has shared with the President, security assessments related to the endangerment of the lives of American soldiers, who have always proved to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and life of our citizens”.

 

 

“The United States has never, at the meetings we've had, expressed the President's stand against the opening of the bridge, but has simply called for co-operation in determining the most appropriate moment in terms of security and building a joint plan for implementing the opening of the bridge, which is in the interest of all our citizens”.

Warnings about risking the lives of American soldiers have been given by US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Havenier, who said opening Ibër Bridge could increase this threat.

“We believe this risk increases the threat, the possibility of violence and other problems, both for the local community and NATO soldiers, including American soldiers working to ensure peace and security in Kosovo. We take very seriously any action that can affect the security and protection of American soldiers working to support Kosovo”, Havener has said.