Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti dismissed Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s allegations that Albanians would march across the Ibar bridge following its scheduled opening on Wednesday, and said they are meant to create an atmosphere fear and provoke a response from KFOR.

“With false allegations that Albanians are marching over the bridge, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic aims to create an atmosphere of fear and elicit a reaction from KFOR in Mitrovica, threatening that if they do not respond, Serbia will,” Kurti wrote Tuesday evening in a post on the X social media platform.

Kurti said all plans to open the bridge are intended to foster peaceful interaction between the two communities.

“However, these false allegations are often a precursor to a planned attack by Serbia. For the safety of everyone, they must not and will not be allowed to enter our territory,” Kurti added.

Pristina authorities have announced that the Ibar Bridge will open to traffic at 11am Wednesday. The bridge separates the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, which is Serb-dominated, from the southern part of the city, which is predominantly Albanian.

The opening of the bridge, which is secured by KFOR and was previously open only to pedestrians, has faced opposition from Belgrade, the European Union (EU), and KFOR itself. They argue that the decision was made unilaterally by Pristina and not as part of the normalization dialogue.

As a result, a protest is planned today in Northern Mitrovica, but Pristina media report that a protest against the opening of the bridge will also be held in the southern part of the city.

Serbian President Vucic expressed hope Tuesday that KFOR will “respond appropriately” by closing the bridge and “prevent an influx of Albanians.“

“I understand how challenging this situation is and hope we won’t be forced into a position where we have to take action, as that would be disastrous for us. But sometimes, you are put in a situation you simply cannot get out of. I believe we still can,” said Vucic.

Serb protest announced

A protest by Serbs is scheduled to take place Wednesday in Northern Mitrovica. The Kosovo Police have said that the event was announced by local citizens in response to recent developments in Kosovo.

Kosovo Police Region North deputy commander Veton Elshani confirmed that the police were informed of a protest set for Wednesday at 11am.

“We support the right to free movement and protest. It’s good that we’ve been given advance notice, we will be monitoring the event and we don’t anticipate any problems. However, if any issues arise, we are prepared to respond,” Elshani told Voice of America.

The portal KoSSev reported unofficial information from the Kosovo Police indicating that no protest is expected on the southern side of the bridge in Mitrovica, contrary to claims made by Serbian President Vucic.

KoSSev also noted that it was communicated to them that the opening of the main Ibar Bridge is not planned for Wednesday.