The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, pointed out that the key topic and policy of that country is the depoliticization of UNESCO, which, as she says, means that the "so-called self-proclaimed state of Kosovo" has nothing to look for in that organization.
Brnabić, at the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris, emphasized that four jewels of Serbian medieval cultural heritage - Visoki Dečani, Pećka Patrijaršija, Gračanica and Bogorodica Ljeviška - have been preserved thanks to their inclusion on the list of endangered world heritage, but she pointed out that hundreds more sites and monuments are threatened.
"Unfortunately, the example of the cultural, historical and spiritual heritage of Serbia in Kosovo and Metohija is proof of how important the role of UNESCO is in the protection and preservation of heritage. By registering them on the list of endangered world heritage, four jewels of Serbian medieval cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are preserved: monasteries "Dečani, Peć Patriarchate, Gračanica and the church of the Virgin of Ljeviška. However, hundreds of sites and monuments are still threatened," Brnabić pointed out.
She said that the Serbian heritage in Kosovo is of immeasurable importance, not only for the national identity of Serbia, but also as part of the precious European and world heritage.
The Prime Minister of Serbia pointed out the country's adherence to the basic principles of UNESCO - dialogue and consensus, not unilateralism, based on the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution, reports RTS.
After the panel at the plenary debate of the 41st session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Paris, Brnabić, answering questions from journalists, pointed out that UNESCO is an organization that deals with issues that have nothing to do with politics, but with education, culture, science and other similar issues.
"When we say depoliticization, we stand by the fact that the so-called state of Kosovo has nothing to ask in UNESCO. UNESCO is not a place where there is space to talk about whether Kosovo, which does not have a seat in the UN, which has not been recognized by more than half of the countries, should be a member of that organization," said the Serbian Prime Minister.
He points out that "so-called Kosovo" has nothing to ask for in UNESCO and that Kosovo's membership is not an issue and must not be an issue.
"When I say depoliticization, everyone knows what it means. And UNESCO Director General Audrey Azuel said that she will not depoliticize during her mandate," added Brnabić.
When asked if she thinks that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo's interim Prime Minister Aljbin Kurti used their presence at the Peace Forum in Paris to lobby additionally for Kosovo's eventual membership in UNESCO, Brnabić said that they probably did and that she was primarily thinking of Kurti.
"I think that Rama did not do it, I think that they are doing it publicly because of internal politics and popularity, which is not correct. In any case, if you ask me, I think that there is nothing to be gained from that work," she said.
Brnabić adds that it may be more difficult when the USA returns to membership in UNESCO and points out that it is up to Serbia to work on it proactively and to insist on depoliticization.
"If something like that were to happen, it would open Pandora's box and it would mean that UNESCO is dealing with some other issues and the people who are in UNESCO today know that," said Brnabić and added that there are other issues that need to be dealt with, and not Kosovo.
The Prime Minister of Serbia also met with the General Director of UNESCO, Audra Azula, and will also participate in the ceremony on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of that organization for education, science and culture.
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