NATO chief in regular contact with Serbian president over Mitrovica bridge

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte maintains regular contact with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić concerning the ongoing situation in the divided city of Mitrovica, according to the Pristina-based daily Koha. The primary focus of these discussions appears to be the continued closure of the bridge over the Ibar River, which separates the ethnic Albanian south from the predominantly Serb north.

Koha reported that the Alliance confirmed a gradual reduction of KFOR forces stationed at the bridge. NATO officials described this process as "gradual, conditional and reversible," attributing it to an "improved security situation." Despite the troop reduction, NATO emphasized its commitment to maintaining a visible presence in both northern and southern Mitrovica.

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KFOR will maintain a visible presence in both northern and southern Mitrovica and any decision to reopen the bridge to vehicle traffic must take into account the needs of all local communities.

Any decision to reopen the bridge to vehicle traffic will carefully consider the needs of all local communities, NATO stated. The Alliance also confirmed that local Serb representatives, including members of the influential Belgrade-backed Serb List party, were consulted regarding the potential reopening of the bridge. This consultation highlights the delicate political balance and the need for consensus in managing the situation in Mitrovica.

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local Serbs, including the Belgrade-backed Serb List party, had been consulted on the re-opening of the bridge.