Q:
A:
Memorial service for victims of March pogrom in Kosovo-Metohija
Belgrade,
17 March 2009
A memorial service to victims of Albanian extremists in Kosovo-Metohija was held today at Archangel Michael’s Church in Belgrade, in the presence of President Boris Tadic and government representatives.
Author:
Tanjug
Minister for Kosovo-Metohija Goran Bogdanovic, Minister of Religion Bogoljub Sijakovic and other government representatives were also present at the service for Kosovo Serbs, killed on March 17, 2004, as well as for victims of the NATO 1999 bombing.
The liturgy was held by Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Amfilohije.
Following the service, Bogdanovic called upon Serbs in the province to remain in their homes despite Albanian pressure, stressing that Serbia will help them the solve issues they are faced with.
Serbs in our southern province do not have freedom of movement or legal protection, they do not have water, electricity is being cut off and they literally live in fear of what tomorrow may bring, said the minister.
He reiterated it is clear that the events of March 17, 2004 were ethnic cleansing and that it was an organised pogrom which the international community simply stood aside and watched.
Serbia invites the international community, particularly EULEX and UNMIK, to do all it can to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes committed on March 17, said Bogdanovic.
The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church pointed out that Serbs have suffered and sacred Orthodox sites were demolished despite the presence of the international civilian and peacekeeping missions in the province and as yet nobody has been brought to justice.
Members of the Holy Synod stressed that few people were able to return to their homes during the past ten years, as their houses were either very badly damaged or completely razed to the ground, adding that a majority of the churches and temples have been left in ruins.
Five years ago more than 4,000 Serbs were persecuted and 35 sacred Orthodox sites demolished, concludes the statement.
The liturgy was held by Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Amfilohije.
Following the service, Bogdanovic called upon Serbs in the province to remain in their homes despite Albanian pressure, stressing that Serbia will help them the solve issues they are faced with.
Serbs in our southern province do not have freedom of movement or legal protection, they do not have water, electricity is being cut off and they literally live in fear of what tomorrow may bring, said the minister.
He reiterated it is clear that the events of March 17, 2004 were ethnic cleansing and that it was an organised pogrom which the international community simply stood aside and watched.
Serbia invites the international community, particularly EULEX and UNMIK, to do all it can to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes committed on March 17, said Bogdanovic.
The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church pointed out that Serbs have suffered and sacred Orthodox sites were demolished despite the presence of the international civilian and peacekeeping missions in the province and as yet nobody has been brought to justice.
Members of the Holy Synod stressed that few people were able to return to their homes during the past ten years, as their houses were either very badly damaged or completely razed to the ground, adding that a majority of the churches and temples have been left in ruins.
Five years ago more than 4,000 Serbs were persecuted and 35 sacred Orthodox sites demolished, concludes the statement.
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