OSCE Mission in Kosovo concerned about situation of cultural heritage in Prishtine/Pristina

Prishtine/Pristina, 20 May 2010 - Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, expressed concerns today about the demolition of the Hatunije Mosque (Xhamia e Hatunijes) and the continued threat to the cultural heritage of Old Prishtine/Pristina Town.

This is the second case in Prishtine/Pristina observed by the OSCE Mission, after Hotel Union, in which institutions responsible for the protection of cultural and religious heritage sites have failed to implement the law and to ensure their protection, he said.

The Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage passed in 2006 envisaged the creation of a list of cultural, archeological, and architectural heritage that needed protection. To date, this list has not yet been produced, and Almhofer expressed concern about this delay.

"The preservation of Old Prishtine/Pristina is of great importance as it is cultural heritage for the generations to come," said Almhofer. "The protection and the acknowledgement of the importance of cultural heritage is a basis to tackle the challenges of the future."

He added that the OSCE Mission welcomed the prompt reaction of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in ordering a stop to the demolition, and called for increased co-ordination to avoid such cases in the future, and for immediate action to implement the legislation on cultural heritage.