KFOR Commander and Albin Kurti meeting canceled

A planned meeting between KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutas and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not take place due to ‘unforeseen circumstances,’ according to a KFOR statement. Despite the cancellation, KFOR indicated that the commander remains in close contact with key officials in Pristina to maintain a secure environment in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.

The meeting was intended to address the potential reopening of the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica. This bridge has been closed to vehicles since 1999 and serves as a sensitive dividing line between the predominantly Serb-populated northern part of the city and the Albanian-populated southern part.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić criticized the proposed meeting, suggesting it sends a signal to Belgrade that negotiations are futile. He reiterated his demand for KFOR to prevent what he termed ‘terror against Serbs’ and expressed his intention to speak with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the situation and the implementation of the 2013 Brussels Agreement.