NATO clarifies its role in opening the bridge in Mitrovica

NATO headquarters in Brussels has once again clarified the reasons that led to the decision to optimize the overall presence in Kosovo and the gradual transition of KFOR's presence to the bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica. Regarding the letter that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić sent to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, requesting that he prevent the opening of the bridge, NATO has only responded that "the NATO Secretary General is in regular contact with President Vučić."

A NATO official said in response to KOMA that the movement in the presence of KFOR is being implemented with full transparency and with the involvement of all relevant parties.

"KFOR has begun the gradual transition to a permanent presence at the main bridge in Mitrovica, in line with the improved security situation in Kosovo. This is part of the process of optimizing KFOR's presence which is being carried out with full transparency from all parties involved and with the inclusive leadership of the KFOR Commander, Major General Ulutas," the NATO official's response states.

This NATO official further explains that the process is gradual, condition-based, and reversible if such a thing is needed based on the security situation.

"This has been closely coordinated with all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of Kosovo institutions and international organizations, as well as the Kosovo Police and the EU rule of law mission EULEX. Local stakeholders have also been involved and regularly informed, including the Srpska Lista, which the KFOR Commander, Major General Ulutas, met with on 11 August at their request," says the NATO official in Brussels. "Our personnel are adequately positioned to respond to any relevant developments under the long-standing UN mandate for KFOR. KFOR will maintain a visible presence in the south and north of Mitrovica and will continue its contribution to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo. Any potential decision to reopen the bridge to vehicles must address the needs of all local communities. KFOR will continue to monitor developments at the local level and will remain fully focused on the day-to-day implementation of its mandate based on UN Resolution 1244 from 1999 to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo," the NATO official further said.

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"KFOR also continues to provide the necessary security support for the advancement of EU-led diplomatic efforts. For any further comments on the status of the bridge, please refer to the EU and the institutions in Kosovo. KFOR does not have a law enforcement mandate. It continues to work closely with security organizations in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Police, in accordance with the highest operational standards and the principles of equal treatment of all communities," said this NATO official.

At the end of his response, this NATO official says that KFOR will maintain a robust and visible presence in northern Kosovo "for the benefit of all communities, including the Serbian community."
"The liaison and monitoring team will also continue its daily activities throughout Kosovo, through regular engagement with local communities. This helps to ensure that KFOR is well positioned to address local security needs in line with its mandate," said this Alliance official.