Mayor of Mitrovica, Agim Bahtiri, has reacted to what he considered to be the most serious provocation to peace and security in Mitrovica and called on Kosovo institutions to undertake all necessary measures to bring normality to the city.

Bahtiri said that the decision of northern leadership to begin construction of a square on the northern bank of River Iber/Ibar is a criminal act and is politically motivated. He also said this construction will prevent normalization of the overall situation.

“I urge relevant law enforcement institutions, local and international, as well as the Government of Kosovo, to immediately undertake all legal measures and stop the construction work that aim at blocking this important road for the citizens of Mitrovica, the region and the country”, said Bahtiri.

Mayor Bahtiri appealed to citizens on both sides of the city to be mature, restrained and not take any steps that would deteriorate the situation.