Removal of the “Peace Park” barricade on the main bridge over the River Iber which divides northern and southern Mitrovica, as well its making functional for free movement, is part of the agreement for the freedom of movement which was reached between Pristina and Belgrade in Brussels, mediated by the European Union.
Agim Bahtiri, mayor of Mitrovica South, said for Radio Free Europe that the project for the removal of the so-called “Peace Park’ and revitalization of the main bridge over River Iber, will start on 15 October. “This will start to implement from 15 October to June, next year, when the bridge will become completely functional. Also two roundabouts will be built in the north and south. Two parks with playgrounds for children will be built in both sides. The bridge will be ready for movement in June next year, which will enable free movement of the pedestrians, bicycles and all other motoric vehicles,” said Bahtiri. He added that structures of both municipalities are already informed about the start of the implementation of the project. However, mayor of Mitrovica North, Goran Rakic was not available to confirm if the structures in the north are informed for the start of the implementation of the project. Mitrovica North Assembly Speaker, Ksenija Bozovic, said that the institution that she leads is not informed about this issue, except for the fact that the agreement has been reached.
Adriana Hodjic, from the Administrative Office of the government of Kosovo in the north, said that she has not seen any signs or preparations.
According to Bahtiri, two other barricades int the north set by Albanians, one in “Bosniacka Mahala” and one in Suhodoll/SuviDo, will also be removed.
