US Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier said there is real risk associated with the opening of the bridge on the Ibar River in Mitrovica, northern Kosovo, at this time which could affect the safety of NATO soldiers, including American soldiers.
“We believe there is real risk associated with taking this action right now, and we believe this risk increases the threat—potential violence, other problems, both for the local community but also for NATO soldiers, including American soldiers who are working to provide peace and security in Kosovo,” the ambassador told an interview with Radio Free Europe (RFE).
“We take very seriously actions that could affect the safety and security of American soldiers working to support Kosovo,” said Hovenier.
He expressed hope that the Kosovo “government will listen to that and take into account those concerns.”
The ambassador said the US has been challenged by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his government.
“I have to say that the quality of our partnership is not what we would hope it would be on some of these issues associated with how he (Prime Minister Kurti) handles the north (of Kosovo) and how he handles the dialogue,” said Hovenier.
He added that the government’s uncoordinated actions in northern Kosovo diminish America’s enthusiasm for supporting Kosovo on its Euro-Atlantic path.
Commenting on the plans to reopen the bridge on the Ibar River, the ambassador said the United States strongly believes that this is not the time to reopen the bridge to vehicle traffic.
“Let me make one point clear. We do believe that ultimately it should be opened to vehicle traffic, and this was, as you said, part of the EU-facilitated dialogue and an agreement has been reached. But we have asked the Government (of Kosovo) to not proceed at this time,” he said.
The ambassador added that this was not just a request of the United States, that it was also made by Quint ambassadors in a meeting with the Kosovo prime minister.
He said the US “takes very seriously actions that could affect the safety and security of American soldiers working to support Kosovo.”
“So our request to the Government, and we have been having these discussions for several months, was—please, do not take this action now. Work with us. We want to help create conditions under which this could happen,” Hovenier said.
However, he added, “we do not believe that now is the time.”
“What we would ask this Government of Kosovo to so it to return, which suggests we are not there right now, to close and constructive engagement with the United States, with the European Union, with NATO, and Kosovo’s other international partners,” said Ambassador Hovenier.
