Bishop Artemije Demands Excavation at Monastery Be Stopped

Bishop Artemije demands that excavation works be stopped‏
From: Diocese of Ras-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija (info@eparhija-prizren.com)

April 28, 2009.

Source: Diocese of Ras-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija


COMMUNIQUE



BISHOP ARTEMIJE DEMANDS THAT EXCAVATION WORKS BE STOPPED



Usurpation of property rights at Monastery Graèanica





Without knowledge or permission of His Grace Artemije, Bishop of Raška-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija, work is in progress on the excavation for pylons of the aerial power distribution network on the property of Monastery Graèanica. The work is being carried out by illegal institutions in Kosovo-Metohija.



In addition to violating internationally recognized property rights and threatening the safety of a religious and cultural site of exceptional significance for the Republic of Serbia, a site, moreover, included in the List of cultural monuments and natural heritage of the world, this act shows the extent of lawlessness which weighs heavily on Kosovo-Metohija.



Bishop Artemije has written to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Zanier, demanding the immediate stoppage of works and initiating proceedings against person or persons responsible for the usurpation of the Monastery property.



Bishop Artemije has also written to the Minister of Mining and Power of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Škundriæ expecting urgent intervention on the part of that Ministry.