The representatives of the residents of “Kroi i Vitakut” neighborhood in Mitrovica met on Friday with the mayor of Mitrovica, Bajram Rexhepi, with whom they discussed the problems they are facing in their neighborhood. They also talked about the efforts made by the local authorities in Mitrovica in order to find a solution and create better conditions for the return of Albanian residents to their properties.

The mayor of Mitrovica Bajram Rexhepi said that people are working and the projects are being fulfilled in the northern part of the town. The aim of these projects is to enable the return of the displaced persons to their properties.

Rexhepi mentioned the construction of the houses in “Lagja e Doktorëve” neighborhood, the asphalting of the road that leads to Vinarc village, the construction of the water system for Vinarc i Epërm, Vinarc i Ulët, Gushafc, and Suhadoll villages.

The mayor of Mitrovica Bajram Rexhepi said that all of these projects show that the municipal and central institutions are committed to strongly support the will and the readiness of the residents to return and live in their properties in Mitrovica.

“In order to be more successful in this direction, you should prepare all the necessary papers on your properties,” Rexhepi told the residents of “Kroi i Vitakut” neighborhood," Mayor Rexhepi said.

Rexhepi added, "The Serbs and certain UNMIK segments are obstructing this process.” In order to overcome these obstructions, the Mayor of Mitrovica Bajram Rexhepi asked the citizens for restraint.

Serb extremists have been opposing the return of Albanian internally displaced persons to northern Mitrovica. Due to their opposition, the water pipes leading to the Albanian-inhabited Suhadoll had to be rerouted leading to a €400,000 increase in costs. Ali Kadriu, one Albanian resident who has been insisting on returning to his home despite intimations by the Serb extremists nearby and UNMIK obstructions, has become a folk hero in Kosovo.