TIRANA, August 17 – Deutsche Welle (DW) examines the gradual reduction of KFOR’s permanent presence in northern Kosova. The NATO-led international mission cites an improvement in the security situation. KFOR also says it can return forces if developments require it.

The process began with the removal of Italian Carabinieri tents from the northern side of the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. According to KFOR, the mission will maintain a strong presence in northern Mitrovica and across northern Kosova. Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla says authorities have started transferring responsibilities from KFOR to the Kosova Police.

Recent incidents have complicated the picture. Authorities demolished 17 holiday homes owned by local Serbs near Lake Ujman in Zubin Potok Municipality. Kosova authorities said the buildings stood illegally on land managed by a public company. Some owners dispute this and say court proceedings were still underway.

Another incident involved allegations of police violence during a house search in the same municipality. The resident said the incident caused injuries that required hospital treatment.

Against this background, local and academic figures offer different assessments. Zoran Savic of the Aktiv NGO questions whether public trust in the Kosova Police matches international assessments of improved security. Professor Nexhmedin Spahiu, however, considers the police presence in the north effective. He also supports reopening the main Mitrovica bridge.

Local journalist Andrija Lazarevic takes a different view. He says residents remain afraid and considers the timing inappropriate for both reopening the bridge and reducing KFOR forces.

The Serb List has also opposed the move. The party requested an urgent meeting with the KFOR commander after the announcement.

DW’s analysis ultimately highlights a central question: whether improved security indicators also translate into greater confidence among residents of northern Kosova.

/a.p./