Moscow, 27 December 2007 (Interfax):
Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia spoke against a unilateral proclamation of independence for Kosovo. ”The wish to proclaim independence for Kosovo will lead to new tragedy”, the patriarch said in Moscow. ”The Serbian people have suffered tragedy because many residents of Kosovo and Metohija had to flee their homes [and had] to relocate,” he said. ”Today, the future of Kosovo is resolved by people who have never been in Kosovo, people who do not know how sacred this land is for the Serbian people. Think of the Kosovo Field, soaked with the blood of our brethren”, the patriarch said.
He said that Patriarch Pavel of Serbia, who is currently ailing, is a “great zealot who prayed every day for [reconciliation] amongst the [combatants] from the beginning of bloodshed in the land of Yugoslavia”. Patriarch Aleksei wished that Serbs would endure less suffering and grief. ”May God help us so that this year may be peaceful and creative, and let God’s blessing accompany all Serbians”, he said.
Interfax-Religion
Excellent point here. So often in these discussions of Kosovo independence, we often forget of how many internally displaced people there are as a result of the conflict . . .not only Serbians but Romas as well. Thus, a primary issue as an inevitable declaration of independence draws near, is a) how will the rights of non-Albanians be protected and normalized in an independent Kosovo and b) how can we return those who have been displaced.
Comment by Mr. Cheeseburger 9000 — Saturday, 29 December 2007 @ 01:44