a few seconds agoWarnings of the Ibër Bridge, spokesman We're willing to do everything we can to protect American personnel.
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)The United States has asked the Government not to proceed with its plan to open the Ibër Bridge, as it puts American soldiers serving within KFOR at risk. US Ambassador to Pristina Jeff Hovenier has forwarded the order. We believe this danger increases the threat, [...]
US Ambassador to Pristina Jeff Hovenier has forwarded the order.
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 could affect the security and protection of American soldiers working to support Kosovo”, the US ambassador has said.
“Our hope is that the Government will hear this and take into account these concerns”, he added.
This case has been raised during the news review at the U.S. State Department. spokesperson Vedant Patel has said Washington will do everything possible for American personnel to be secure.
Let me just say that we certainly won't hesitate to do everything necessary to keep sure that American personnel and our people are protected”, Patel said.
Against the opening of the bridge “unilaterally”, KFOR has also warned KFOR, who have said it would hesitate to act in case of tensions.
The government's position after these warnings is unknown. Prime Minister Kurti at the Government's meeting Wednesday said co-ordination and consultations” will continue, while Minister Elbert Krasniqi, speaking of Ambassador Havenier's statement, said that for Kosovars American soldiers are the most beloved.
These developments have sparked a new clash between the Government and the EU. Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi said the EU is threatening Kosovo” in the event it implements an EU-brokered agreement. EU Emisari Miroslav Lajcak said claims the EU opposes opening the bridge are deceptive, while stressing that at the next meeting in Brussels there will be discussions on how the Ibri Bridge will be opened.
