Bishop Teodosije of Raška and Prizren met today at the Gračanica Monastery with the British Ambassador in Pristina, Nicholas Abbott. The bishop conveyed to the ambassador his deep concern regarding the recent statements made by British MP Ms Alicia Kearns, who claimed that illegal weapons were smuggled through Serbian Orthodox churches in northern Kosovo.
„The bishop emphasised that this allegation, which has since been refuted by KFOR, has significantly worsened the security of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) in Kosovo and Metohija, and may seriously hampers the process of de-escalating tensions in northern Kosovo and the dialogue process“, the Diocese reported.
The bishop also reiterated the Church’s position, which claims to be firmly committed to peace among all residents in Kosovo. Hence, it „cannot allow any abuse or political manipulation of our churches“, reads the communique.
Ambassador Abbott expressed his concerns about current events in the north of Kosovo, the important role of the Church in improving community relations, and the urgent need for de-escalation, stated the Church.
Member of Parliament Alicia Kearns shared a series of criticisms at the latest session of the UK Parliament against official Belgrade and Serbs from the north, while on the other hand defending Pristina. Kearns also claimed that Serbia is to blame for the new crisis.
Speaking about the incidents in the north of Kosovo and the conflict with KFOR in May in Zvecan, she said that it was „a brutal attack by a Belgrade-backed, funded and armed militia“.
In addition, she made accusations against the Serbian Orthodox Church, claiming that it participates in arms smuggling.
“…The Government is well aware, with the Fusiliers having only just returned from serving in KFOR, that there are weapons being smuggled across the border from Serbia into Orthodox churches in ambulances. When our troops become aware of that, and try to get permission to go and get them, the permissions take too long. By the time there is permission—quelle surprise—an ambulance has turned up at the church and taken all the weapons out again.”
The statement of this MP was immediately transmitted by Pristina media, but also by users on social networks, primarily ethnic Albanians, who tagged European and US officials, as well as mediators in the dialogue.
Some Albanian portals, primarily GeoPost, reported the news with a video clip and the claim that it confirms the MP’s allegations about arms smuggling.
They emphasize that the footage was recorded on December 6 last year, that is, when the premises of the Municipal Election Commission in North Mitrovica were attacked.
They even state that in this particular case, the „arms smuggling mission“ was carried out by the recently arrested Serb M.M., whom the Pristina authorities claim is one of the leaders of Civil Protection, which was recently declared a terrorist organization by the Kosovo government, together with Northern Brigade.
They emphasize that at that time M.M. and other members of the Civil Protection were communicating with the people in the ambulance, which contained weapons.
(the video, however, does not show either the church or the clergy)
The Diocese of Raska and Prizren reacted late last night, expressing deep concern over the statement made by the British Member of Parliament.
They say that it represents a highly dangerous accusation that criminalizes the Serbian Orthodox Church and is already being exploited by some Kosovan media with “the intention of inciting religious and ethnic hatred.”
Furthermore, they underlined that these allegations also pose a direct threat to the clergy.
The Diocese insisted that the allegations by Ms. Kearns be urgently verified and for KFOR to disclose to the public whether they can confirm the allegations of the UK Member of Parliament.
“It is impossible that UK soldiers in KFOR have this information and not communicate it to their superiors in the KFOR command.”
If these claims prove to be true, the Diocese added, any Church officials found to be involved in the alleged misuse of SOC premises and church service for transportation or storage of weapons will face the “most severe church penalties” and will not be able to continue their public service.
However, if KFOR cannot verify these claims, the Raska-Prizren Diocese will seek a public apology from the aforementioned Member of Parliament through the British Embassy in Pristina, due to her “inflammatory and inaccurate allegations which have serious consequences.”
“The Raska-Prizren Diocese (SOC) does not want the allegations of Ms. Alicia Kearns about the SOC in Kosovo and Metohija to remain at the level of slander and become a tool for imposing collective guilt on our Church. Therefore, these allegations must be verified as soon as possible, and those potentially responsible for any criminal acts or the dissemination of false information must be identified. The public must be informed.”
They emphasized that such accusations constitute an “act of spreading religious intolerance” and a “direct call for violence” against our Church – “which has been subjected to physical attacks, various slanders, and other forms of discrimination in Kosovo and Metohija for years”.
“The Raska-Prizren Diocese (SOC) has clearly opposed any form of violence through its actions and statements over the past thirty years, both before and after the armed conflict in Kosovo and Metohija. Violence is contrary to the fundamental Gospel principles and the Church’s mission. Therefore, we wish to handle this matter with full seriousness and responsibility,” the Diocese underlined.
KFOR: No evidence
KFOR reacted this morning, stating that they don’t have any evidence in support of these allegations.
„The event mentioned by the British Member of Parliament is referred to the 2022 when the Royal Fusilier Battalion was employed in the North of Kosovo in support of KFOR Mission.“
„The alleged illegal weapon presence was reported to KFOR HQ, but after further investigation in order to find confirmation of that, no evidence has emerged of what was reported,“ KFOR said in response to KoSSev’s inquiry, while also emphasizing:
„There isn’t any evidence also regarding the alleged smuggling conducted across the Administrative Border Line between Kosovo and Serbia into Orthodox churches in ambulances.“
Finally, KFOR said that for a complete information – “this kind of activity belongs to the rule of law, that is under the responsibility of the Kosovo Security Organizations.“
Asked today at a press conference, and after a Kosovo government session, the Kosovo Prime Minister said that he will hold meetings with representatives of NATO and KFOR, as well as with security authorities.
„There is information that Serbia uses ambulances to smuggle weapons in the North.“ I will have a meeting with the representatives of NATO and KFOR and with the security authorities on this issue. After the meetings, we will be able to give the final word. We are now gathering information. This issue will be known during this week,“ Kurti said.
Alicia Kearns met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in London on Monday.
Kosovo is worth protecting, she said at the time, noting that they discussed with Kurti how to de-escalate tensions, about the return of “abducted” policemen, support to „Kosovo Serb communities“, and „the Belgrade backed militia“. Her speech about Kosovo focused on these topics, with the exception of support for the Serbs.
Kosovo is worth protecting.
We must stand by our partners, & it was very productive to meet with Prime Minister @albinkurti this morning to discuss:
– How to de-escalate tensions
– Return of abducted Kosovar police
– Support to Kosovo Serb communities
– Belgrade backed Militia pic.twitter.com/xJvnNeAdyT— Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) June 26, 2023
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Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
