92001E1213

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1213/01

by Adriana Poli Bortone (UEN) to the Council

(24 April 2001)

Subject: Protection of Orthodox Christian monasteries in Kosovo

Many monasteries and orthodox churches in Kosovo are being threatened with destruction by Muslim extremists and being targeted in the inter-ethnic conflict on the pretext of being a vestige of Serb presence.

The Holy Trinity Monastery in Musutiste has already been completely destroyed, while the following are seriously at risk: the Orthodox Monastery of Gracanica, the Mother of God Cathedral in Ljevisa, the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin in Lipljan, the Monastery of the Pec Patriarchate together with the churches of the Holy Apostles, Saint Mary Hodegetria and St Dominic, and the Decani Monastery.

In the light of the above, what measures does the Council intend to take to protect the monasteries and orthodox churches in Kosovo, which are part of the heritage of European and Christian civilisation?

Reply

(27 September 2001)

The Council deplores the persistence of episodes of ethnic and religious intolerance in Kosovo and in particular the continuing threats to the integrity of Orthodox Christian monasteries in Serb areas. It reaffirms that it is strongly committed to an open, democratic, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Kosovo that upholds tolerance and respect for all; the Council condemns all forms of violence, including the destruction of monuments that are part of the cultural heritage.

The Honourable Member is certainly aware that, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the EU is not responsible for security and public order in Kosovo, this being the task of UNMIK (United Nations Mission in Kosovo) police forces as well as KFOR (NATO force in Kosovo). The Council welcomes and applauds KFOR efforts to ensure permanent protection of the main religious monuments in Kosovo as well as regular patrolling of secondary religious sites.