Diplomats to Pristina: Use of symbols, flags a constitutionally protected right

PRISTINA - In a letter to officials of the Pristina interim institutions and mayors of all 38 municipalities in Kosovo-Metohija, the representatives of the EU, Quint states and EULEX in Pristina noted that the use of symbols, including national or community flags, was a constitutionally-protected right and that Pristina authorities had the duty to not only refrain from unnecessary interference but to also ensure the conditions for efficient and equal exercise thereof.

The letter, signed by the head of the EU Office in Pristina Eva Palatova, the ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy and the UK, the US charge d' affaires and the EULEX chief, notes that the constitutional and legal framework of the interim institutions protects the right of all communities and its members to cherish, express and develop their identities, including by using and displaying community symbols, in accordance with the law and applicable international standards.

Before last year's St Vitus's Day (June 28) commemorations, the Pristina interim institutions banned the display of Serbian flags in Gracanica.

This year, Serbian flags displayed in the city ahead of Orthodox Easter were taken down with assistance from the so-called "Kosovo Police".

On Christmas Eve, the so-called "Kosovo Police" in the north of Kosovska Mitrovica attempted to prevent the displaying of a banner reading "Peace of God, Christ is born," which is the traditional Orthodox Christmas greeting.

After illegally seizing the buildings of all local institutions in Serb communities in Kosovo-Metohija, the Pristina interim institutions have removed Serbian flags from the buildings.