Northern Kosovo residents prioritize demolitions, investigations over Ibar River plans

Plans announced by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to change the course of the Ibar River are not a primary concern for residents in northern Kosovo. Instead, locals in areas like Zubin Potok are focused on more pressing issues, including the potential demolition of structures and ongoing war crimes investigations, according to journalist Andrija Lazarević.

Lazarević highlighted that the deadline for the demolition of 11 structures is approaching this week, causing anxiety among property owners. Simultaneously, Zubin Potok has been under scrutiny by Kosovo authorities for nearly a month, with war crimes investigations leading to three arrests and excavations at three sites on suspicion of buried remains. Several individuals are also being summoned for questioning, with searches for illegal weapons conducted in nearby villages.

The journalist noted that Belgrade's silence followed the closure of nearly all Serbian institutions in Kosovo, marking significant changes over the past three years. He believes current events have reached a critical point, forcing even the Serbian president to acknowledge them more directly. Lazarević also suggested that such statements from Serbian officials are intended to signal concern to the Serbian public but are counterproductive and exploited negatively by Kosovo officials.

Furthermore, the withdrawal of KFOR forces from the Ibar bridge has caused concern among Serbs, who view the bridge as both a physical and symbolic barrier for northern Kosovo. The decision to include Kosovo police in the security protocol for the Visoki Dečani monastery has also raised alarm. The Eparchy of Raško-Prizren previously stated that Kosovo police lack the capacity and trust to guard the Eparchy's property, a sentiment echoed by recent developments.

“

Povlačenje KFOR-a sa mosta na Ibru jeste izazvalo zabrinutost kod Srba jer se most i simbolički i fizički gleda kao neka vrsta brane severnog Kosova.