Ibri Bridge, danger of American soldiers there, and U.S. elections what orders were given to the Government of Kosovo

For several months, internationals have been trying to convince Prime Minister Albin Kurti that the main bridge over the Iber River in Mitrovica will not open at this time.

The Kosovo government is constantly repeating that the bridge will be opened, while internationals warn “of real risk to “violence and other problems”.

Whether the Government has agreed not to take further action after confirming that the bridge is “table, stable and functional” is unknown.

Prime Minister Kurti, following the cabinet's meeting on 14 August, did not warn actions to open it. He said consultations and co-ordination with partners would continue.

That stance came a day after international diplomats and military officials in Kosovo issued clear warnings.

It is learned that the message to Kosovo authorities has been clear. In the event of riots on the Ibër Bridge, American soldiers would be the first responders. It's about American soldiers stationed at Camp Nothing Hill in Leposaviq. Members of the National Guard from Georgia State are stationed there. Keeping in mind that this state is a non-stop stand (equal support for the two parties competing in the presidential election), any involvement of soldiers in eventual unrest in northern Kosovo could have implications in the US election process.

That this message has been sent to Kosovo authorities has been confirmed by several sources for the Express Journal.

US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier said Tuesday there is a real danger associated with the opening of the bridge in Mitrovica at this time, which he said could affect the security of NATO soldiers, including American soldiers.

“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 who work to support Kosovo”, Houvenier said in an interview for Radio Free Europe, adding that they hope the government will listen to this and will take into account these concerns”.

European Union spokesman Peter Stano has warned Kosovo that he risks remaining “alone and behind” if he does not listen to friends and allies.

We have nothing to say on this subject of the bridge reopening. I can only remind of all those who have trouble hearing and understand that all of Kosovo's friends and allies [are] The EU, the US, NATO and United Defence have clearly and unequivocally said that it is in the interest of Kosovo to listen to friends and allies, otherwise risk being left alone and left behind”, Stano said on Friday.

Kurti hosted KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas at the meeting Tuesday, which he said reported “on the overall works being held on the main bridge over the Iber River and results from the preliminary report on the sustainability assessment of the <x1 bridge. The prime minister, as said in the communiqué issued by his office after the meeting, mentioned the necessary “steps the Government is taking “to open the” bridge.

The government, through the Ministry of Environment, has hired Space Planning and Infrastructure a company to which it has awarded a 9 thousand and 640 euro contract to give a bridge test to determine the capacity of its structure before it opens for vehicle flow. The test is done and the results are received.

Peacekeeping Mission NATO in Kosovo has warned that it will not hesitate to face any development that may affect the security environment and regional stability.

“We will not hesitate to face any development that could affect the security environment and regional stability, fully respecting our UN-designed mandate. KFOR's stance has been clear and constant all the time. Any decision concerning the opening of the main bridge over the Iber River should be made within the framework of EU-brokered dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina”, it has said KFOR through a media communique 6 August.

All QUINT (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy) countries have announced they do not support the opening of the bridge at this time. Ambassadors to these countries early in the month were in Government for a meeting with Kurti, who had presented the plan for opening the bridge to them.

“Consultions and co-ordination continue”, also told in a media communiqué that Kurt's office issued after that meeting.

Also leaving behind the week, the bridge triggered reactions and counter reactions between Pristina and Brussels. Emisari Miroslav Lajcak, responding to Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi, said it is not true that the EU opposes its opening. He warned that at the next meeting the Ibër Bridge issue will be a topic of discussion. The spokesman Stano said it is not about new agreements, but about the modalities of implementing the existing agreement. Similarly, Bislim accused Brussels of threatening Kosovo, though he had concluded himself that the bridge should be opened.