Albanian, Serb mayors of Kosovo divided town of Mitrovica coordinate over coronavirus crisis

Gazeta Express

06/04/2020 17:13

Mayors of Mitrovica South Agim Bahtiri and Mitrovica North Goran Rakic spoke over the phone on Monday to discuss current situation and take measures to prevent further spread of coronavirus in this ethnically divided town, Gazeta Express reports.  

Mayor of Mitrovica South Agim Bahtiri issued a statement saying that after identification of first coronavirus cases in Mitrovica North and quarantining of Mitrovica North and Zvecan, they have taken all necessary measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and local authorities have the situation under control.

“During a phone call mayor Bahtiri expressed his readiness to cooperate and help all citizens in the north with all the capacities and potential the Muitrovica South possess,” according to a statement issued by Mitrovica South.  18 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Serb-inhabited northern part of Mitrovica so far, according to local media.

“At the end of conversation mayors Bahtiri and Rakic agreed to be more cooperative in successfully managing the situation following spread of pandemic in the northern part, by leaving aside politics and work on preventing on further spread of virus. At the same time, they called on all citizens to follow instructions and recommendations of relevant authorities,” according to a press release issued by Mitrovica South mayor.

Last week mayors Bahtiri and Rakic accompanied by KFOR Commander, Michele Risi, met on the main bridge of Iber a symbol of ethnic division of Albanians and Serbs, urging citizens to stay at home and prevent further spread of coronavirus. /GazetaExpress/