The elected MP of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Burim Ramadani, in a post on Facebook called for NATO to remove the static presence of KFOR from the bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica.
He wrote that conditions have now changed and KFOR's presence there should be reviewed.
"The time has come for the static presence of KFOR on the main bridge in Mitrovica to be removed. Not as a weakening of security, but as a step forward. Because the conditions have been met," he wrote.
Ramadani said that while the bridge has been a symbol of instability for many years, now the security situation is different.
Ramadani has mentioned six reasons why, according to him, the KFOR presence should be removed:
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The professional arguments are clear and call for the removal of KFOR's static presence:
1. The security situation should be assessed according to today's reality, not according to fears from the past.
2. Local institutions must take responsibility, because they have the capacity to guarantee security.
3. A modern security system relies on patrols, monitoring, and rapid response. Not necessarily on a permanent static presence.
4. A public space in the heart of the city should not forever remain a symbol of an exceptional situation.
5. Peacekeeping missions should use resources where the operational need is greatest.
6. The ultimate goal of every successful mission is that one day its presence will no longer be necessary.
"Therefore, the moment has come for the static presence of KFOR on the main bridge of Mitrovica to be removed. Not as a weakening of security. Because the conditions have been met. So, as evidence that security has been strengthened. Not as a withdrawal, but as a step forward. Because a bridge should not be guarded forever by soldiers. A bridge should be protected by civic trust, law and normality. This is the moment for the Mitrovica bridge to begin a new chapter. Without the static presence of KFOR," Ramadani concluded.
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KFOR soldiers have been stationed on this bridge since the war. KFOR has consistently called for any decision to open this bridge to traffic to be made within the framework of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The bridge is open only to pedestrians, while in 2024 there were reactions from internationals, after the Government had announced its opening to traffic.
Last year, two more bridges were opened over the Ibar River, connecting South Mitrovica with North Mitrovica.
