Guerot: Decision on Opening the Ibër Bridge to Vehicles Requires Comprehensive Consultation

France’s ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guerot, said that any decision to allow vehicles to travel across the Ibër Bridge should be made only after discussions with all relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the bridge is currently open to pedestrians and is regularly used by citizens. Guerot recalled that he has crossed it often, and that during the festival in Mitrovica last year he saw families crossing the bridge with baby strollers. He emphasized that the situation is no longer what it was in the past, as the bridge is functional for pedestrians.

The outgoing French ambassador stressed that the issue of opening the bridge to vehicles should be considered with local residents, elected officials, the police and KFOR, which, he said, will continue to have a general role in Kosovo. Guerot said that the way a decision is reached may be more important than the decision itself, and that this process should be conducted in consultation with all stakeholders.

Guerot described the security situation as calmer, but still fragile. He praised KFOR’s contribution over the past 26 years to creating a safe environment for all citizens of Kosovo.

The ambassador explained that recent assessments could lead to a reduction or further optimization of the scale of KFOR’s presence, but that this does not mean its withdrawal. According to Guerot, KFOR will remain a key element for Kosovo and the security of its citizens, while a calmer, albeit fragile, situation represents a positive sign.