Hundreds gathered around the Iber River bridge in Mitrovica, Kosovo on Wednesday as tensions rose over the government’s plan to open the bridge that divides the Serb-dominated north and Albanian south of the city. Ethnic Serbs in the north protested against the opening, citing concerns about their safety and the protection of their community. The bridge closure has been seen as a symbol of the divided city, with some residents arguing that it has prevented ethnic cleansing in the past.
The decision to open the bridge to vehicle traffic has sparked controversy and opposition from Serbian authorities, who believe it could provoke conflict. Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government has faced backlash for their plans, with NATO member nations opposing the move. Talks between Serbia and Kosovo in 2015 included discussions on the bridge, but a 2016 agreement to open it for all traffic was not realized.
The Serb List, the main party supported by Serbs in Kosovo, has called on EU representatives to intervene and prevent further escalation of the conflict. Despite pressure from the government and Western diplomats, the opening of the bridge remains a contentious issue in the divided city. The future of the bridge and its impact on the community continue to be a source of tension and conflict in Mitrovica.
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