NATO: Changes in KFOR Presence at Kosovska Mitrovica Bridge Being Conducted Transparently

NATO Headquarters in Brussels (BETAPHOTO/NEVENA ZARIC)

An unnamed NATO official said on Aug. 21 that the changes in KFOR's presence at the main bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica are being made with full transparency and the involvement of all relevant parties.

"KFOR has begun the gradual transition to a permanent presence at the main bridge in Mitrovica, in line with the improved security situation in Kosovo. This is part of the process of optimizing KFOR's presence which is being carried out with full transparency from all parties involved [...], the unnamed NATO official said in a response for koha.net.

NATO's only comment about a letter sent by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to NATO general secreary Mark Rutte asking him to stop the opening of the bridge was that the general secretary "is in regular contact" with Vucic. The NATO official said the process is gradual, based on conditions in the field and reversible if needed based on the security situation.

"This has been closely coordinated with all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of Kosovo institutions and international organizations, as well as the Kosovo Police and the EU rule of law mission EULEX. Local stakeholders have also been involved and regularly informed," including the Serb List, the Brussels-based NATO official said, adding that KFOR personnel are present in adequate numbers to respond to any relevant developments in line with its long-standing United Nations mandate.