Pope calls for caution, Organization of the Islamic Conference welcomes secession
Pope Benedict XVI called for a spirit of reconciliation following Kosovo's contested declaration of secession from Serbia.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Thursday, February 21, 2008
"With regard to the current crisis in Kosovo, I call upon all interested parties to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favour mutual respect and reconciliation," the pope told the new Serbian ambassador to the Holy See, Vladeta Jankovic.
Noting how Serbs had suffered in the course of recent conflicts, the pope voiced his "heartfelt concern" for them and the other Balkan nations affected by the events of the last decade.
"The Holy See shares your earnest desire that the peace which has been achieved will bring lasting stability to the region," he said.
Noting Serbia's "familiarity with Islam, both through her encounter with the Ottoman Empire and through the presence of many Muslims in the region today," Benedict said there were "rich possibilities for progress in inter-religious dialogue".
Meanwhile, in Riyadh, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference has welcomed Kosovo's declaration of independence, saying it would be an asset to the Muslim world.
"The Islamic (nation) wishes them success in the new battle awaiting them, which is the building of a strong and prosperous state capable of satisfying its people. There is no doubt that the independence of Kosovo will be an asset to the Muslim world and further enhance joint Islamic action," Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the head of the OIC.
Several Muslim-populated states, such as Indonesia or Azerbeijan, have already rejected the call arguing for the respect of international law.
