“Only talks can solve problems in Kosovo”

9 January 2011 | 09:36 | Source: Večernje novosti

BELGRADE -- Newly-enthroned Bishop of Raška-Prizren Teodosije has called upon the Serbs to return to Kosovo and stressed that dialogue is the only way to solve problems. Bishop Teodosije (FoNet) “Conditions for the return of Serbs to Kosovo and Metohija are far from good and there are great difficulties and risks,” he told daily Večernje novosti. “We cannot, however, wait for others to create better conditions for us. Everybody should come to their hearth and that way contribute to return. Examples of individuals who have done so, although they are meager, bring hope that others will follow them,” the bishop pointed out. He also stressed that the upcoming negotiations should primarily focus on the people. “Priority in the upcoming negotiations between Belgrade and Priština should be true interest of the people and peace and not ephemeral ideologies. Therefore it is important that people of good will keep their distance from all those who think that happiness can be achieved through violence,“ the bishop was quoted as saying. Bishop Teodisije added that the return of the Raška-Prizren Eparchy's historical and spiritual headquarters to Prizren after 11 years of exile in a way represented a call for the Serbs to return to the place they belong. He said that reconstruction of destroyed churches in Kosovo was a long-term process and announced reconstruction of the Peć parish and continuation of reconstruction of the Prizren Seminary complex. “By building holy places we are working on renewal of church and spiritual life. Aside from reconstructing churches in Priština, Istok and Prizren in the last months, we breathed a new life into the extinguished parishes by appointing young priests. We are also planning a reconstruction of the Peć parish and continuation of the reconstruction of the Seminary complex in Prizren. With god's help we will restart church-educational work there,“ the bishop of Raška-Prizren stressed. He said that the main goal of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) in Kosovo was to strengthen the spiritual work and to continue to provide help to the threatened population.