STRANDED KOSOVO SERB MONKS RUNNING OUT OF FOOD, APPEAL FOR HELP
SRNA - February 11, 2004

Prizren, 11 February: The prior of the St Archangels Monastery near Prizren, Father Benedikt, told SRNA today that its monks had not left the monastery or resupplied their food stock since 21 January when German Kfor (NATO-led Kosovo Force) soldiers stopped providing escorts for the brotherhood.

"Since 21 January when monks were attacked in Djakovica and when we lodged our protest with the command of the German Kfor, the German soldiers have been banned from any contacts with our brotherhood. We have not been able to leave the monastery and we can not relieve Father Miron who is guarding the Bishop's Residence in Prizren," father Benedikt said.

He pointed out that they had not been able to purchase food because they could not leave the monastery.

"We are eating less, rationing the monastery's food reserves," Father Benedikt said and appealed to all people of good will to help the brotherhood, particularly to help with relieving Father Miron in Prizren.

He denied reports that a group of monks had left the monastery.

"If we are forced to leave this sacred place, all of us will go. Until that moment, all seven of us will stay in their scared Serb place in Prizren," Father Benedikt said.

Source: SRNA news agency, Bijeljina, in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian 0912 gmt 11 Feb 04

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