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KFOR presence at Mitrovica bridge depends on security situation: Admiral
🇷🇸 Serbia /Energy & Infrastructure

KFOR presence at Mitrovica bridge depends on security situation: Admiral

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • KFOR's presence at the bridge in Mitrovica depends on the security situation, according to Admiral George Wikoff.
  • Decisions about the bridge's presence are based on KFOR's security assessment, not on opening it, which is for EU and Kosovo institutions.
  • KFOR will maintain presence in surrounding areas and increase it in some regions, including North Mitrovica, while cooperating with Kosovo Police.

Admiral George Wikoff, chief of NATO's Joint Force Command Naples, stated that KFOR's presence at the bridge over the Ibar river in Mitrovica is contingent on the prevailing security situation. "Decisions concerning KFOR's presence at the Mitrovica Bridge are based on our assessment of the security situation," Wikoff said in a press release. He clarified that KFOR's mandate does not extend to determining whether the bridge should be opened. That decision rests with the EU and relevant Kosovo institutions after KFOR concludes its permanent presence there.

Decisions concerning KFOR's presence at the Mitrovica Bridge are based on our assessment of the security situation.

— Admiral George WikoffAdmiral Wikoff explained the basis for KFOR's presence at the bridge in a press release.

Despite potential changes in presence at the bridge itself, Wikoff assured that KFOR personnel would remain in the surrounding areas. The press release also emphasized KFOR's close cooperation with Kosovo's security organizations, including the Kosovo Police, adhering to high operational standards and fair treatment of all communities. It noted that the Kosovo Police is a lawful institution established under UNMIK authority, and KFOR's optimization does not signify a transfer of its mandate or responsibilities.

KFOR does not have a mandate to determine whether the bridge should be opened or not. This is for EU and relevant Institutions in Kosovo to determine after KFOR concludes its permanent presence on the bridge.

— Admiral George WikoffAdmiral Wikoff clarified KFOR's role regarding the bridge's opening.

KFOR Commander Major General Ozcan Ulutas added that the mission's commitment to the security of all residents in Kosovo remains steadfast. He indicated that KFOR's presence would increase in certain areas, particularly North Mitrovica and northern Kosovo, through patrols, observation posts, and community engagements. This comes as Belgrade and Pristina engage in a verbal dispute over the bridge's reopening for traffic, with Belgrade expressing concern that handing the bridge to Kosovo police could endanger the predominantly Kosovo Serb population in North Mitrovica.

KFOR personnel will remain present in the surrounding areas.

— Admiral George WikoffAdmiral Wikoff assured continued KFOR presence in the vicinity of the bridge.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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