Ibri and Ujmani in focus, Kastrati: Kosovo should take signals from Belgrade seriously

Serbia's recent statements on the Ibar River and Lake Ujman, developments around the main bridge in Mitrovica, as well as increased political rhetoric from Belgrade, have brought security issues in northern Kosovo back into focus.

In this context, the former commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Kadri Kastrati, has analyzed for "The Geotalks" the latest developments and the risks that may arise if tensions around the Ibar continue to increase.

Kastrati has made the distinction between political statements and signals that could pose a real threat to security, assessing that developments around the Ibar and Ujman rivers should be followed carefully.

The focus of the discussion was also the developments surrounding the Mitrovica bridge, which continues to remain one of the most sensitive points in northern Kosovo.

According to Kastrati, the latest rhetoric from Belgrade should be analyzed in the broader context of security developments, taking into account possible scenarios that Kosovo should not neglect.

The Ibar issue, in addition to the political dimension, also carries special importance for security and stability in the north, while any development around the Ujman bridge and lake could affect the overall security climate.

Kastrati offered his assessment of which of the latest signals from Belgrade can be considered part of political rhetoric and which should be taken more seriously by Kosovo's security institutions.

For more, watch the full interview.