The unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo which relies on the recommendations contained in the plan of the UN mediator, Martti Ahtisari creates a new situation, which will be obviously very carefully monitored by the Holy See, which shall also consider any requests it might receive about this issue". This was written by Father Federico Lombardi, general manager of the Vatican Radio station, in an article on today’s Osservatore Romano in which he explains the position of the Holy See about the situation in Kosovo. In recalling the commitment of the Holy See, both during the 1999 and crisis and thereafter for stability and peace in the region, Father Lombardi states that "right now the Holy See feels responsible for its moral and spiritual mission, which also includes peace and order in the relations between the countries, and therefore invites everyone, especially the political leaders of Serbia and Kosovo, to be prudent and moderate, and asks for firm, effective commitment to ward off extremist reactions and violent drifts, so that the foundations may be laid right now for a future of respect, reconciliation and cooperation". (continued)
