Recognition of Kosovo may create more problems than it solves

Almost three months ago the Australian people elected a new government with a mandate to provide "new leadership". In foreign affairs, it was clear that this mandate meant Australia would exercise an independent policy and no longer be part of any "coalition of the willing".The Rudd Government's recognition of Kosovo ("US and European nations quickly recognise Kosovo", February 20) betrays the trust placed in it by the Australian people. Just as the war in Iraq has led to massive instability and exacerbated the growth of terrorism, the precipitate recognition of Kosovo will lead to similar consequences in the Balkans and elsewhere.

Metropolitan Amfilohije: Kosovo is the Serbian Holy City of Jerusalem

In his sermon following the prayer service for the salvation of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija in front of the Temple of Saint Sava, the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Coastlands, Amfilohije, launched the message that the Serbian people had to say to the world that "as long as we exist, Kosovo is the apple of our eye, our heart, the heart of our heart, our holy city of Jerusalem and that we cannot renounce it, just like we cannot renounce our soul and our fate''. His Eminence Amfilohije said that "Kosovo represents a huge tribunal and that today we, the Albanians and the Americans, the British and the French are undergoing judgement in Kosovo''. The plateau in front of the temple church was completely filled with people who had arrived from the mass protest held in front of the National Parliament.

Sources: www.tanjug.co.yu and www.svetigora.com

Head of Russian Church slams Kosovo independence

Moscow, February 20, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia has slammed Kosovo's unilaterally declared independence.

Kosovo's independence, declared on Sunday, "is an anti-historic event that upsets the global balance and that may lead to very tragic events in a whole series of spots on the globe where separatist sentiments are being fanned," Alexy said answering questions from journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.

Public Announcement by the Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church Following Consultations Held at the Serbian Patriarchate

The session was convoked in view of the latest illegal selfdeclaration of independence by the so-called Albanian parliament in Pristina. Some great states which have enriched themselves with wordly powers have recognized this act by the parliament of Pristina and, as we have said before, they have cast shame on themselves as well as their historical path, minding only their bare interests.

Yet, our concern goes to our people, which is deeply and justifiedly embittered by this injustice and violence. We know from our ages long church experience that every violence ends up with the perpetrator's ruin, for, as the proverb says, every power is of time, and that of God is eternal.

The Letter to The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia

Honourable Prime Minister:

We write to you on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the substantial, patriotic Serbian community in Australia to urge you and the Australian government, in the strongest possible terms, to reverse its decision of 19 February 2008 to extend diplomatic recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral secession from the Republic of Serbia.