Photo: RNE
The discussion also touched on the situation for the Serb community in Kosovo. Ambassador Braathu emphasized the reality of Kosovo as a multi-ethnic society and the demands that this entails to institutions. The role of the International Community in supporting multi-ethnicity was discussed, as was the importance of a full implementation of the Ahtisaari Plan. Ambassador Braathu and Father Sava agreed that the Ahtisaari Plan offers the best solution for protecting the rights and cultural heritage of the Serb community in Kosovo.
Father Sava also spoke about his concerns regarding the protection of religious sites and the need for a better understanding of the issue. He pointed out that this was an issue that affects all religious communities in Kosovo, but that the Serb Orthodox Church in Kosovo was the one under the greatest pressure due to historical and political events of the recent past. Ambassador Braathu agreed that protection of religious sites is an important issue, both in practical terms and because this is a requirement of international conventions that the Government of Kosovo adheres to.
Enjoying the hospitality of the monks; eating homemade cake, drinking tea and fresh apple juice, walking in the grounds of the Monastery, feeling fresh air in the valley between the mountains and having good conversation – as always, it was indeed a great visit to Visoki Decani Monastery.
Read about the Norwegian Embassy’s visit to Visoki Decani Monastery in November 2011.
Photo: RNE