Kosovo PM vows to protect Serbian churches ahead of UNESCO vote

Kosovo's Prime Minister Isa Mustafa on Monday pledged to protect Serbian Orthodox Christian sites just hours before a key vote which could see it admitted as a member of the United Nations cultural body.

Serbia has warned that Orthodox monuments would be at risk if Kosovo takes over their management, citing attacks and looting since the two sides fought a war in 1998 and 1999.

Mustafa said his government is "very much interested in enforcing the criteria of UNESCO" if it wins a membership later in the day, a bid staunchly opposed by Serbia.

"We expect that we receive majority of votes and then we will become a member," the prime minister told reporters during a visit to Lithuania, hours before a vote in Paris.

"We had concerns from Serbia in relation to the Serb Orthodox churches. We have given all our guarantees that we will protect and cultivate the Serb Orthodox churches both with regard to property but also religious activities," he added.

Mustafa said Kosovo's UNESCO membership will also open up new opportunities in education, a key area for its predominantly young population.
"Over 50 percent of our population is under the age of 25," Mustafa said.

UNESCO membership will represent a leap forward for Kosovo in its bid for full international recognition.

Kosovo's independence is recognised by more than 100 countries, but staunchly denied by Belgrade which considers it the cradle of its identity and religion.

Source: AFP