Few Serbs take part in debate on opening bridge over Ibar

Representatives of this municipality and those of the Government of Kosovo are participating in the debate. But, according to Radio Free Europe journalists, participants in the debate are a small number of Serbian citizens, and that most of those present are municipal asambitors, representatives of O The SEU and the media.

Local Power Management Minister Elbert Krasniqi said the bridge would become a symbol of normalising relations in Kosovo, which would contribute to facilitating citizens' contacts in the south and north.

“Already is the absurd continuation of keeping the bridge closed. The opening is not and will not be against anyone”, he said at the start of the debate.

The bridge over the Iber River divides Albanian-run South Mitrovica and northern Mitrovica, majority Serb and Kosovo Government, despite opposition from the international community, has said it aims to open it for moving vehicles.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government in July announced the goal of opening the bridge.
However, the UNUINT countries US, Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy declared they do not support the opening of the bridge at this moment.

Peacekeeping Mission NATO in Kosovo, KFOR said any decision to open the main bridge over the Iber River should be taken within the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

For opening the bridge, Kosovo and Serbia have reached agreements within dialogue, but the bridge continues to be open only to pedestrians. /REL