The spokesperson of the European Union, Peter Stano, has reiterated that the issue of the opening of the Ibri Bridge should be resolved through dialogue in Brussels, while he called on the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, not to continue with unilateral actions that could increase tensions .
In an interview for "N1" on Saturday, Stano warned that the opening of the Ibri Bridge could increase tensions in the north.
"The EU, together with other key partners, has asked the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Kurti, not to continue with unilateral actions, stressing that the issues must be resolved through dialogue. Bridges usually bring people together. Unfortunately, the situation we have in the north of Kosovo and in Mitrovica is the result of a large number of difficult political circumstances. Therefore, we have always said that it is an explosive issue, a problematic issue, and like all problematic issues, it must be resolved through dialogue. Because if you have a problem, then you solve it with dialogue, not with unilateral decisions", said Stano.
The EU spokesperson has expressed concern about the ongoing crisis in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. He criticized "unilateral actions", especially from Kosovo, such as the closure of Serbian posts in the north, which he described as unfortunate and harmful to local communities. He called for a return to constructive dialogue.
Stano said in the interview that the EU is a mediator, not an implementer, and that it can only facilitate the dialogue. He admitted that the dialogue has stalled due to the lack of commitment from both sides, but emphasized that progress has been made in several areas. He emphasized the importance of local political leadership in reaching the necessary compromises.
Kosovo authorities have undertaken several actions during this week in the north of the country to open the Ibri Bridge, which have been opposed by Serbia and Kosovo Serbs, as well as by the international community.
The bridge, currently, is open only for pedestrians, although in the framework of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, it was agreed that it should also be opened for vehicle traffic - but it was not implemented.
Italian KFOR soldiers are on the bridge over the Ibër river, while members of the Kosovo Police are also nearby.
