Ministry of Culture Bans Continued Works at Novoberda Fortress

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports fully supports the decision of the Kosovo Institute for Protection of Monuments through which the Decision has interrupted all works at the Novoberda Fortress.

These recently initiated paintings as a result of injuries to the castle walls during March 2019.

Despite the current commitments and consultations, the injuries are evident even in this period, and for this reason the Kosovo Institute for Protection of Monuments - the responsible institution has banned the work.

In this context, we have forwarded the concern and request to the EU Office to review all legal opportunities for taking necessary measures, since they are signatories of the agreement with the U. NESTO.

The company that does the work is selected by the U. NESTO therefore we expect the same to take on legal responsibilities.

“Works will not be allowed to continue until the acceptance of the detailed report, which we expect no further than until early next week. On the contrary, consider the situation created here and other security circumstances of the monument, we are obliged to take other actions in consolidating the situation and in co-ordination with responsible cultural and other relevant heritage institutions. ” is said to report the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports.

Minister Kujtim Gashi said he supports the IKM's decision and has estimated that it is the right step to preserve and not further damage an extremely important object such as the Novoberda Fortress.

“We have been in constant co-ordination with the Institute and the decision it has taken is the step that I as minister and support because it is our duty to preserve and care for it”, the minister Gashi said.