The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren: International representatives to stop the latest wave of pressure on the rest of our people

In light of the latest events in Kosovo and Metohija, especially in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, as well as in Velika Hoca, we daily receive worrying news from our religious people that the pressure of the Kosovo authorities on our people is increasing. As a Church that has been and remains with its people in these areas for centuries, we cannot look indifferently at the implementation of measures that cause inter-ethnic distrust and tension and can, even more, encourage our people to emigrate, the statement of the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren emphasizes.

As stated, "This kind of situation can lead to an escalation of violence, which is not beneficial to anyone".

"We appeal to Kosovo institutions to show restraint and awareness that political and legal problems cannot be solved by a demonstration of force in front of the Serbs, especially in areas such as Velika Hoca, where the Serbs have barely survived in the ghetto for 23 years. At the same time, we expect international representatives to do everything in their power to stop the latest wave of pressure on our remaining people, who perceive the actions of Kosovo's institutions as a direct threat that there is no place for Serbs in these areas," the announcement states.

The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren expresses deep concern that "inter-ethnic relations and trust in Kosovo and Metohija are at their lowest level in the last twenty years and calls for peace and restraint".

"All existing problems must be solved without ethnic tensions and possible escalation of violence, which is unacceptable and can have far-reaching negative consequences," the end of the announcement says.