NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, has begun the "gradual transition of its permanent presence" from the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica. According to KFOR, this step is part of the optimization of the military presence after assessing the improving security situation in the area.
The acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, has described this process as very positive news, confirming that the responsibility for security on the bridge will be fully transferred to local services.
"We are all witnesses to the beginning of a process where the responsibility for security at the Mitrovica Bridge will be transferred to the Kosovo Police. This comes after a long and successful work of all security institutions, after the successive successes of the Kosovo Police in ensuring law and order and in providing security for all citizens, without any distinction," declared Sveçla.
Sveçla emphasized that the entire process will be carried out in close cooperation with NATO peacekeepers. As the situation further improves, the presence of the Kosovo Police itself on the bridge will also be gradually reduced.
The main bridge over the Ibar River, which connects South Mitrovica (with an Albanian majority) with North Mitrovica (with a Serb majority), has historically been one of the most sensitive security points in the country. Currently, the bridge is only open to pedestrians, while institutions are working to ensure that the process of opening it to vehicles is completed in the best possible way.
During his speech, the Minister of Interior also commented on the recent statements of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, regarding Lake Ujman:
Serbia's provocations: Svečla stated that statements that violate sovereignty no longer come as a surprise to official Pristina.
Changing reality: He underlined that although Belgrade's rhetoric remains the same as in 1998-1999, Kosovo has now been strengthened and is fully ready to assume all responsibilities for guaranteeing security throughout its territory.
