Bardoni: Mitrovica political issue opening bridge, dialogue solution

The command of the Kosovo peacekeeping force, Major General Enrico Bardonini, said closing the bridge in Mitrovica is political and the decision for it must be made through dialogue in Brussels.

He declares that KFOR preserves its fixed presence on the bridge and conducts regular patrols in surrounding areas until a political solution is found.

Part of the interview:

RTV21: General, you received the warrant at a time of tension in the north. A year later it hasn't changed much except disputes over the bridge over the Iber River, which have recently been somewhat “concerned”. What has made KFOR's role difficult today during this one-year period?

General Bardonini: No doubt Kosovo has long been characterised by complex and interrelated challenges, the consequences of which are felt throughout the Western Balkans region. Among these unresolved political challenges are undoubtedly the most urgent, as they undermine the normalisation process between Belgrade and Pristina and affect the security of all communities living in Kosovo. Therefore, KFOR maintains a alert and flexible presence throughout Kosovo, well prepared to respond quickly to any respective development that could jeopardise regional stability and local security. We do this in line with our long-term mandate of the United Nations by contributing to the preservation of a safe and stable environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo at all times, impartially and especially in close co-operation with the Kosovo Police and the European Union's Mission for Rule of Law, in their respective roles, as security providers. Through our presence and daily activities, we also aim to maintain a security framework in support of diplomatic efforts that are ongoing and important.

RTV21: In general, there are two prospects for the bridge over the Iber River. The first: that it divides Kosovo into two parts. And the other is a protective bridge. You came and the bridge was closed. You're leaving and the bridge is still closed. So is there still a problem there?

General Bardonini: I can also add this: Even during my previous service in Kosovo in 2001 and 2015, the bridge was closed for circulation. And for me, that means that closing that bridge is not just a matter of security, but it's mostly political in nature. To clarify NATO's position on this topic, I can say it was, it was clear, consistent, consistent and transparent throughout: the decision on the Iber Bridge in Mitrovica should be taken through dialogue and in proper co-ordination and effective with local communities, as well as with the international community. Meanwhile, KFOR maintains and continues to preserve, until it receives another directive, its fixed presence on the bridge and conducts regular patrols in surrounding areas until a political solution is found./Periscopi/