McGurk discusses protection of Serbian religious and cultural heritage with Abbot Sava

Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Gerard McGurk visited Visoki Decani Monastery, where he discussed concerns raised by the Serbian Orthodox Church regarding the protection of religious and cultural heritage with Abbot Sava Janjic.

"On that occasion, a comprehensive and open discussion was held on current issues and concerns of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija, including challenges related to the protection of religious and cultural heritage, respect for Special Protective Zones, as well as the recent road works carried out through the protected zone of the monastery," the monastery said in a Facebook post.

McGurk visited Visoki Decani on Thursday, and Abbot Sava expressed his gratitude for the OSCE Mission's willingness to carefully listen to the concerns of the Serbian Orthodox Church and to address them with seriousness and professional responsibility.

"Such dialogue remains important for the protection of religious freedoms, cultural heritage, the rule of law, and the building of trust among communities in Kosovo and Metohija," the statement added.

The Raska-Prizren Diocese stated two days ago that road works had resumed within the legally established Special Protective Zone of Visoki Decani Monastery without the consent of the Serbian Orthodox Church.