Church restoration talks fall through

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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