EUROPE/KOSOVO - “Could it be that to create more violence someone is trying to turn ethnic clashes into religious conflict?” preoccupied people in Kosovo are asking after destruction of Serb Orthodox churches

Pristina (Fides Service)- There is growing concern in Kosovo after recent clashes between Serbs and Albanians during which Albanians destroyed several Serb Orthodox churches. According to local sources “the violence came all of a sudden taking everyone by surprise. For some time there has been malcontent in Kosovo for various reasons, particularly among unemployed youth ,but no one expected this sudden, rapidly spreading violence. There is a feeling that someone is trying to turn ethnic clashes into religious conflict”.
“Of course Serb churches were targeted because they are symbols of Serb presence in Kosovo, but there could be other motivations. Muslims extremists are known to have infiltrated into the region. There may be foreign interests to stoke the embers of religious hatred ”.
“Islam in Kosovo is traditionally tolerant and for centuries people of different faiths have lived peacefully together. It is our hope that traditional tolerance will prevail and that local Muslims will be the first to object to the diffusion of Muslim fundamentalism” Fides sources conclude.
During March Albanians in Kosovo attacked Serb Orthodox churches in Pristina and Gjakova (south west Kosovo) and 13 other churches elsewhere. Thirty people were killed and at least 600 injured in the incidents. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2004, righe 23 parole 264)