Church vandalised in Obilic

Beta news agency, Belgrade, June 19, 2006

OBILIC -- Unknown vandals demolished a church in the centre of Obilic, Kosovo and Metohija Radio reported.

According to reports, four crosses were removed from the church and taken, as was the chimney on the right side of the church and part of the roofing.

Municipal Coordinator in Obilic Mirce Jakovljevic said that this is yet another attack on everything that is Serbian in Obilic. Jakovljevic said that the church vandalism is yet another argument that proves that the international community cannot and does not have the power to stop such acts.

"This is further evidence that Serbs need new municipalities in order to stay here. If this does not happen, then villages such as Obilic will be ethnically clean very soon. We are questioning whether KFOR is prepared to secure safety and security for us and our children." Jakovljevic said.

No one from the Kosovo Police Service was willing to comment on the incident. This same church in Obilic was set on fire on March 18, 2004.