A new home

Fireworks, dancing and public celebrations in Pristina marked Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia. The new Kosovo flag: six stars on a blue background and the State’s design. It represents Albanian majority (over 95%) but not the Serbian minority, approximately 120 thousand people living in the Northern part of the Country. In Kosovo still live also 70 thousand Catholics guided by Apostolic administrator Msgr. Dode Gjergji who recalled that “the entire Albanian population experienced – before Islam – at least 16 centuries of Christian faith and is drawing close to its origins. The relations with the Muslim community are good. They are the first to acknowledge the Christian roots of the population.”. Kosovo’s independence is attentively followed by the Holy See. In an editorial published on theHoly See daily ‘Osservatore Romano’, the director general of the Vatican Radio, Father Federico Lombardi, wrote: “in this moment the Holy See feels most of all the responsibility of its moral and spiritual mission, which is also connected with peace and good order in the relations between nations. It therefore appeals to all, Serbian and Kosovar politicians in particular, to adopt a cautious and moderate approach, and urges to undertake commitments aimed at countering extremist reactions and violence, in order to lay the foundations for a future of respect, reconciliation and cooperation”. This appeal was upheld also by Msgr. Gjergji, whom Sir asked a series of questions on this issue. With which spirit to you receive the declaration of independence? “We have shared difficult moments with the Kosovar population, now we share with them this moment of joy”.A new historical chapter is opening up for Kosovo. How should it construct its future?“As Catholic Church we have always exhorted to peace, forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation between Peoples. It’s important to forget the past, which was fierce, and look ahead with the support of love and forgiveness. This is the message that we’re sending to all those living in Kosovo. We mustn’t be afraid”.It will be hard for Kosovo Serbians to understand…“We’re asking the majority to undertake a major effort to the benefit of the entire population. We mustn’t refrain from undertaking initiatives to the benefit of the common good, justice and peace. Every single energy should be employed to ensure rights and peace also to our Serbian fellow citizens. We believe that the only way of guaranteeing a future to Kosovo, is political, cultural ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Only dialogue can guarantee the future”.As relates to ecumenical dialogue: Russia, homeland of the Orthodox Primate Alexis II, already said that it won’t accept Kosovo’s independence. In your opinion, could this hinder the dialogue between Kosovo’s Catholic minority and the Orthodox community? “We can’t be sure of this. On our part, we’re ready to give our contribution to dialogue with the Orthodox and also with our Muslim brothers. Our hand is extended to others for reconciliations and forgiveness. This is the commitment of Kosovo’s Catholic community for future Kosovo”. Also other European Countries will refrain from recognizing Kosovo’s independence. To what extent will this affect the nation’s political life? “History has taught us that when a State is born it isn’t immediately unanimously recognized by the international community. Perhaps many Countries will recognize it at a later moment. We shall see”.What does Kosovo materially need today to commence its progress among the family of Nations?“Today Kosovo is just like a new home. It needs to be filled with things so that the family may live there in appropriate conditions. It firstly needs the European Community, it needs to participate in its political meetings along with financial support”. Hocevar: more dialogue between East and WestNo official comment was released by Saints Cyrill and Methodius Bishops Conference representing Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia, at the news of Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, proclaimed by Premier Hashim Thaci. The President of the Bishops Conference and Metropolitan archbishop of Belgrade told Sir that “we all ought to promote an integral dialogue along with a prayer. It is necessary to study the problem between the East and the West. Europe must seek its own true identity, which is the only way to find the just criteria enabling the resolution of problems”.