Following many reactions, EU and UNDP suspend renovation of Xhafer Deva's house

The EU and UNDP have withdrawn from the renovation of the Xhafer Deva House in Mitrovica, as well as have apologised for what “intentional interpretation”. The EU office in Kosovo suggests they have carefully conveyed concerns following the decision to restore the home of the former interior minister and one of the organisation's founders known as “Prizren's Second Command”

The Culture Ministry had decided it would rebuild this cultural object in the centre of the city of Mitrovica with joint funding of the UNDP and the EU. Even in a reaction made today, Minister Hajrullah Ceku had said that Kosovo did not rehabilitate historical figures like Serbia does, in a writing where he shows why he views the renovation of Xhafer Deva's house in Mitrovica. He says that in fact the noise launched for the renovation of the facility, which relates only to the name of Xhafer Deva, began in Serbia.

But the pressure put on by numerous domestic and international acts has prompted the EU and UNDP to withdraw from this project.

The joint declaration reportedly aimed at bringing communities together and expressed regret over any concerns that may have caused over the past few days.

“D CLARIES attributed to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (BE). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo and the European Union (BE) have been paying attention to concerns following the announcement of a cultural heritage location in Mitrovica linked with former owner Xhafer Deva, whose past as Nazi collaborator has been commented a lot over the past few days. The project's goal has always been to unite communities and contribute to social cohesion using cultural heritage as an instrument for intercommunal dialogue and restoring cultural heritage to the exploitation of communities. U n The NDP and the European Union express genuine remorse for any deliberate offense caused through the announcement of the start of the works, but not to mention the historical background of Xhafer Deva”, the EU Office says.

These two missions are said to strongly condemn anti-Semitism and xenophobia. In response to Gazeta Express, works have been shown to have been suspended and have said the current debate should be used as an opportunity to openly review the past for discussions and consultations.

“U n The NDP and the EU strongly condemn antisemitism and xenophobia and their numerous manifestations, including increasing intolerance and fanaticism towards ethnic minorities and vulnerable communities. We are committed to protecting the defenseless, promoting fundamental human rights and supporting freedom, dignity, and fighting dezinformation. U n The NDP, together with the EU, have suspended work at the location. We are in touch with all parties involved and are reevaluating our role and contribution, including the possibility of using the current controversy as an opportunity to openly examine the past through discussions and consultations with all relevant communities”, the statement said.

The conclusion of the EU Office for Gazette Express's response is that since 2016, the EU and UNDP have contributed to the reconstruction of over 35 religious and cultural objects belonging to different religious and ethnic groups living in the Republic of Kosovo.

“UNDP cultural heritage projects implemented since 2016, in partnership with the EU, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, municipalities and religious communities, have renovated and rehabilitated more than 35 cultural and religious objects belonging to different religious and ethnic groups living in Kosovo. The projects are also focused on the revival of spiritual cultural heritage in the form of art, music and art skills, and have organised a series of courses and training, as well as restoration camps, focused particularly on women and young people from different communities. All interventions contribute to strengthening social trust and cohesion, as well as to increased respect for the common cultural heritage of different communities and religions throughout Kosovo”, the statement said.

This is the full response of the EU Office in Kosovo regarding the suspension of Xhafer Deva's restoration house:

DEATH-HOD-HOD-HOD-CHOD which is attributed to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (BE)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo and the European Union (BE) have paid attention to concerns after announcing the restoration of a cultural heritage location in Mitrovica connected with former owner Xhafer Deva, whose past as Nazi collaborator has been greatly commented on in recent days.

The project's goal has always been to unite communities and contribute to social cohesion using cultural heritage as an instrument for intercommunal dialogue and restoring cultural heritage to the exploitation of communities. U n The NDP and the European Union express sincere remorse for any deliberate offense caused through the announcement of the start of the works, but not to mention the historical background of Xhafer Deva.

U n The NDP and the EU strongly condemn antisemitism and xenophobia and their numerous manifestations, including increasing intolerance and fanaticism towards ethnic minorities and vulnerable communities. We are committed to protecting the defenseless, promoting fundamental human rights and supporting freedom, dignity, and fighting dezinformation.

U n The NDP, together with the EU, have suspended work at the location. We are in touch with all parties involved and are reevaluating our role and contribution, including the possibility of using the current controversy as an opportunity to review the past through discussions and consultations with all relevant communities.

Cultural heritage projects implemented by the UNDP since 2016, in partnership with the EU, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, municipalities and religious communities, have renovated and rehabilitated more than 35 cultural and religious objects belonging to different religious and ethnic groups living in Kosovo. The projects are also focused on the revival of spiritual cultural heritage in the form of art, music and art skills, and have organised a series of courses and training, as well as restoration camps, focused particularly on women and young people from different communities. All interventions contribute to the strengthening of social trust and cohesion, as well as to increased respect for the shared cultural heritage of different communities and religions throughout Kosovo.