State Department Tells The Pavlovic Today: U.S. Does Not Support Any Moves To Change Mitrovica Bridge Status In Kosovo

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The U.S. State Department has stated to The Pavlovic Today that it “does not support” any changes to the current status of the Mitrovica Bridge on the Ibar River in Kosovo. This position follows a series of unilateral decisions by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in northern Kosovo, which is predominantly inhabited by Serbian communities.

Recent unilateral and uncoordinated actions by Kosovo authorities, including the closure of Serbian post offices, have intensified concerns about Kosovo’s reliability as a partner for the United States. Washington’s response to these developments has been markedly stern.

In response to The Pavlovic Today’s question about whether Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti had provided assurances against opening the bridge on the Ibar River outside of the EU-facilitated dialogue, a State Department spokesperson issued a firm statement.

“The United States does not support any moves to change the current status of the Mitrovica Bridge at this time,” the spokesperson told The Pavlovic Today.

“Opening the bridge to vehicle traffic now increases potential for violence and puts at risk the local population as well as KFOR soldiers – including Americans – who are working to support peace and security in Kosovo.”

The spokesperson urged the Kosovo government to refrain from unilateral actions and instead address the issue within the EU-facilitated dialogue framework. 

“We urge the Government of Kosovo not to take this uncoordinated, unilateral action and to discuss the issue within the EU-facilitated Dialogue,” the spokesperson said. The State Department emphasized that this position aligns with that of the Quint partners, as well as the EU and NATO.

The goal of the United States of America, according to the State Department, is to “work with the Government of Kosovo to create the conditions under which the bridge could open to vehicle traffic.” To this end, the United States calls  on the Government of Kosovo “to return to close and constructive engagement with the United States and other international partners.”

The potential reopening of the Mitrovica Bridge could significantly escalate tensions between Belgrade and Pristina, exacerbating global conflicts and destabilizing efforts that the U.S. is focused on addressing.

Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, echoed these concerns on August 7, highlighting the urgent need to return to dialogue. He underscored that both the closure of post offices and the proposal to open the bridge should be addressed through the EU-led process.

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