Raška-Prizren Diocese Appeal

Raška-Prizren Diocese Appeal for аssistance to vulnerable people in the north of Kosovo and Metohija

The Bishop of Raška-Prizren Teodosije served today holy liturgy at St. Demetrius in Kosovska Mitrovica thus providing spiritual support to the faithful people in this area. In a conversation with the clergy and the believers, the Bishop was briefed on the latest humanitarian situation, which, according to the testimony of the faithful, is the worse since the 1999 war. On the basis of a direct conversation with the faithful people, the Bishop published the following appeal, which we transmit:

Due to the severe humanitarian situation in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, caused by the decision of Kosovo institutions to impose 100% tariffs on all goods coming from central Serbia, as well as other restrictive measures of Priština the Raska-Prizren Diocese addresses an urgent appeal to all Dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church and humanitarian organizations to organize collection of humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable population.

By imposing 100% tariffs on all goods from central Serbia, contrary to all the rules of the CEFTA organization, which guarantee free and fair trade in accordance with international and especially European standards, a burden was imposed, particularly on Serb population in Kosovo and Metohija, which has so far been largely supplied with goods imported from central Serbia, as it is more affordable than goods currently available in stores in the south of Kosovo.

Discrimination based on the origin of the goods, which reminds us of the darkest times in the European history, is the most serious violation of human rights. Coupled with action of demonstrative ignition and destruction of Serbian goods from few months ago, to what Pristina authorities did not react, there has been multifaceted deterioration of interethnic relations and security throughout the territory of Kosovo and Metohija with unforseeable consequences.

At the moment, the situation in northern Kosovo is seriously threatening to become alarming, especially for the poorest and socially vulnerable population, which has no way to supply either with more expensive goods from the south of Kosovo, or to travel outside the Province and bring goods in smaller quantities to homes. If this unsustainable situation continues, it will influence gradual displacement of the remaining Serbian population, which is obviously the goal of Priština authorities who hypocritically represent this humanitarian problem as a political one, and use Serbian people in Kosovo as hostages. Even yesterday's sending of ridiculously small quantities of goods by Pristina institutions to the Bosniak street in northern Mitrovica was primarily a theater performance, which the independent media could verify.

Hence, the Raška-Prizren Diocese, which has always stood together with its people in the most difficult times, and now, with an appeal for help, informs the public that two humanitarian church points will be shortly opened - at the church of St. Demetrius in North Mitrovica and in Banjska Monastery in Zvečan municipality. The existing quantities of food and other goods will be urgently transferred from the reserves of Diocese’s soup kitchens, which daily feed about 2,000 vulnerable persons, primarily in Kosovo Pomoravlje.  With this, our Church will try to help as much as possible by delivering humanitarian packages. The aid will be shared to all vulnerable regardless of religion and ethnic origin, as we have been doing for years.

We expect that humanitarian organizations, particularly the Red Cross, both in the country and abroad, will respond to our humanitarian appeal quickly, and that humanitarian goods will be delivered to Kosovo and Metohija in the coming days and weeks.

Please note that this appeal does not constitute any interference in politics, but is above all a reaction of the Church to unprecedented abuses committed against innocent people, especially our faithful people in the north of Kosovo and Metohija, who are deprived of their basic freedoms and rights by restrictive measures. We also expect international institutions to respond more urgently to this situation and to help find solutions that would protect citizens' rights, and allow a normal life that is now not possible.

Bishop of Raška-Prizren
TEODOSIJE