Serbian Orthodox Church: Konjufca Kurt is claiming a lie about property

The Serbian Orthodox Church has reacted to statements made by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the head of the assembly, Glauk Konjufca, over the Decani Monastery court issue.

The church's response is said to be false to this monastery's property and that these statements undermine the court's decision, while it is considered unprecedented in the region.

The only essence of statements by all these officials is that actually no law or judicial decision applies to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo”.

If we briefly look at the judicial procedure itself, we can see that it has lasted sixteen years before Kosovo courts. During that process the Decani Monastery has suffered not only threats, but also physical and armed attacks, organised protests, attempts to block entry into the monastery and defamation campaign”, the church's response reportedly follows Klakosova.tv.

Further, they say that this issue cannot be compared to anyone, as they call post - World War II propaganda

“Even after such a process, local institutions continue to refuse to implement the decision and change the cadastre (for nearly six years), despite the Constitutional Court's decision, which as such is final and irrevocable”.

Such actions not only reflect the situation in Kosovo institutions but also reveal open discrimination against the Serbian Orthodox Church. Moreover, such actions clearly show what the fate of the Serbian Orthodox Church would be like in this area, if left entirely at the mercy of Kosovo institutions, by any political group”, is further said in response.

The diocese of this church further says Serbia's institutions constantly call for dialogue with Kosovo, but according to them, dialogue is not possible with those who at every step demonstrate open ethnic and religious discrimination, as well as no willingness to respect their laws.

“Since the first day after the 1999 armed conflict, our church participated in dialogue with Kosovo institutions and worked actively on building trust and bridges, which is known to the international community”.

“Therefore, the implementation of this decision by this or one of the future governments is a necessary condition to show us that dialogue would not be just a show for foreign cameras and officials and that there is a real willingness to stop a systematic campaign of discrimination and open hostility towards the Serbian Orthodox Church”, the statement said.

The church's communication goes on to say that Kosovo institutions still have open issues and unmet obligations, but, according to them, resolving the Decani Monastery land issue is the minimum needed to move forward.

“The continued public treatment of our Church as a political institution or a political representative, who is unfounded, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept of freedom and the equality of religious institutions in a modern democratic society”.

“The irresponsible media statements, arbitrary comment on court form decisions and the creation of confusion in opinion also endanger the security of the Serbian Orthodox Church, its holy sites, the priesthood, monasteries and believers and is contrary to all international standards”, the church statement said.