SRNA – November 6, 2004
PRISTINA --
Saturday - Discussions regarding the restoration of damaged churches and
monasteries in Kosovo yielded no results today.
The Council of Europe’s General Secretary Terry Davis met with Bishop Artemije
of the Rasko-Prizren Eparchy to discuss the matter. The Serbian Orthodox Church
decided to stick with the decision it made in September of this year, to break
the agreement regarding the restoration of sacred buildings which church
representatives signed with UNMIK in June.
Bishop Artemije said that the church, as owners of the property, have the right
to decide who will restore the churches and monasteries, and not have others
decide for them, especially not those who were responsible for the damage.
Davis confirmed that the talks were unsuccessful and said he was “disappointed”
with the outcome.
“He signed that memorandum in June, and since then has not given any new
arguments that would justify his current stance.” Davis said of the church
leader.
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