Dacic: Serbia will submit bid to join UNESCO Executive Board

Photo: Milena Djordjevic

Serbia will submit a candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board, Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said today.

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During his speech at the 42nd session of the General Conference of that organization in Paris, he pointed out that he expects the support of other UNESCO members in this bid, adding that Serbia will justify that trust.

Speaking about the situation in the world, Dacic noted that, in light of growing turmoil, mutual understanding and willingness to compromise is gaining more and more importance. He referred to the endangered cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija, which is under UNESCO protection.

The physical desecration of holy places is still continuing, said Dacic and added that the international military and civilian missions are guarding only a few (Serbian Orthodox) monasteries or churches.

"1,300 (Serbian) shrines in the province speak of the immeasurable importance, not only for Serbia but also for the world," the minister stressed and added that the pinnacle of medieval art is present in four holy places in Kosovo and Metohija.

This refers to Visoki Decani and Gracanica monasteries, the Pec Patriarchate, and the Church of Bogorodica Ljeviska, all included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage.

"We will continue to advocate against politicization of cultural heritage," concluded Dacic.

(Telegraf.rs)