KFOR said on Tuesday that its forces deployed on the bridge over the Ibar in Mitrovica will tackle any development affecting security.

A press release said that KFOR commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş was informed on Tuesday morning by the Director of the Kosovo Police about an imminent technical inspection on the main bridge over the Ibar river, in Mitrovica.

“KFOR units maintain a permanent, fixed presence on the bridge and continue to conduct regular patrols in the surrounding areas to ensure stability and security, for the benefit of all local communities. We will not hesitate to tackle any development that may affect the security environment and regional stability, in full respect of our UN mandate,” it said.

It added that KFOR’s position has been clear and consistent – any decisions regarding the opening of the main bridge over the Ibar/Ibër river must be made within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.