US KFOR cars on Tuesday are seen at Ibër Bridge

Mission NATO in Kosovo (KFOR) has reiterated Tuesday that any decision to open the main bridge over the Iber River should be taken within the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, brokered by the European Union. US KFOR cars on Tuesday are seen at the Ibre Bridge.

According to the statement, KFOR will not hesitate to address any development that could have an impact on regional security and stability, in line with the UN mandate.

KFOR's reaction comes after conducting a visit by Kosovo officials to that part, which insists that the bridge over Iber will open.

Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla has said during his visit to northern Mitrovica that “has no reason for the bridge not to open.

The “now, when it will be opened is the expert assessment issue”, he said.

Italian KFOR Karabiniers have permanent presence on the Ibër Bridge and perform patrols in the district. The bridge is also monitored by members of the Kosovo Police.

The Kosovo government believes freedom of movement should be secured throughout the territory, but Serbia considers opening the bridge as “provocation”.

QUINT (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy) countries have announced days before they do not support the opening of the bridge at this time.

Despite that, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has insisted that the bridge should be opened and that its opening is against no one.

It's all in service and it's not against anybody. Freedom of movement and rule of law does not endanger peace and security, rather”.

The government has announced that it will continue discussions and consultations on the bridge's opening plan.

“Plan envisions testing for the infrastructure stability of the bridge, risk assessment and danger assessment from natural disasters, visual re-ilitation of the bridge with access to the bridge for all, citizen discussions and interest groups, and the comprehensive information campaign on the benefits and purposes of opening the” bridge.

Albanians in South Mitrovica and Serbs in North Mitrovica, who previously talked to Radio Free Europe are divided if the bridge should be opened.

For Albanians, opening the bridge would be the wise “ ”, while for Serbs the decision that increases tensions. / REL