Kosovo President Warns Against Bridge Opening Without NATO Coordination

Kosovo's president Vjosa Osmani has alerted that the uncoordinated opening of the Mitrovica bridge could ignite conflict between local police and U.S. troops stationed in the region. The bridge, which has seen significant ethnic clashes in the past, has remained mostly closed to traffic since the Kosovo war ended in 1999, apart from pedestrian access.

This move is being viewed symbolically, as three other bridges already connect the town across the river. Osmani emphasized that no Kosovo Albanian would support such a conflict, raising concerns over the impact on relations and peacekeeping efforts.

Post-independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo's ethnic tensions have persisted, especially in the north where the Serb minority rejects Kosovo's statehood. With over 4,500 NATO troops, including U.S. forces still present, the situation remains delicate. Recent warnings from the U.S., EU, and NATO underscore the risk of ethnic violence and the necessity for NATO's intervention to maintain peace.

The anticipated opening has not yet occurred, with ongoing preparations including bridge painting. NATO has indicated that it would take necessary action, potentially deploying soldiers and armored vehicles to block the bridge if the government proceeds.

(With inputs from agencies.)