The Serbian List opposed the construction of two new bridges over the Ibar River through a petition, a reaction that came after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the project. While the movements have increased fears of tension in the north, security experts see no reason for concern regarding the construction of two bridges that will connect northern and southern Mitrovica.
"The number of incidents on the bridge is extremely small, perhaps there is often a tendency for these incidents of a different nature to be labeled as interethnic incidents, but the number of incidents on the bridge is extremely small," says Mentor Vrajolli from the Kosovo Center for Security Studies.
Vučić has also submitted his complaints to Western countries, where the Serbian List petition was also addressed.
The European Union has called for inclusiveness in such projects by consulting all communities. This has raised concerns that these bridges could end up like the main one, which is open only to pedestrians.
"There are other bridges that the international factor has never closed, I think there is no reason to close these bridges, maybe that bridge in the city center could be converted into a pedestrian bridge, or have a different treatment so as not to raise debate," said Vrajolli.
Currently, Mitrovica, divided into two administrative municipalities, is connected by two bridges for vehicles, while one remains for pedestrians. The addition of two more bridges may bring about some "sporadic incidents" but in the eyes of experts, it has no potential to destabilize the situation.
"The biggest risk in the northern part is if the borders are not controlled, I think that at this point in border control the exclusive responsibility lies with KFOR, so the security of Kosovo in the northern part depends specifically on the performance of KFOR," the expert added.
The two new bridges, which are expected to be completed in the fall, cost 3 million euros and are an investment by the Government of Kosovo. One bridge will serve for the circulation of vehicles and pedestrians, while the other will be for pedestrians only. (A2 Televizion)
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