The barricade on the main bridge in Mitrovica, which was built three years ago by Serb parallel structures, was removed this morning at 5:00. The so-called Bridge Watchers removed the barricade, and no incidents were reported. During the removal, increased Kosovo Police forces and Italian Carabinieri were seen near the bridge. Mitrovica mayor Agim Bahtiri, who visited the bridge on Tuesday evening, said the removal of the barricade was expected and that he personally deserves the credit. “I have cooperated closely with Western diplomats and with people in the north. I kept my promise; as you can see, the barricade is being removed. I am very glad that after close talks with people in the north and Western diplomats we have managed to remove the barricade. This brings us great pleasure,” Bahtiri said. Veton Rexha, director of the Mitrovica municipal department for agriculture, said the removal of the barricade is a historic act and that this was the happiest night for all Mitrovica residents. “I believe this marks the beginning of a new life, with freedom of movement on both sides, for Albanians and Serbs,” Rexha added.