Kosovo, as it is known in Serbian, is considered by many to be the newest country in the world. It declared independence from Serbia in February of this year. Serbia has yet to recognize its independence. The country is run by the joint operations of the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union in cooperations with the independent Kosovar government. While Kosovo is about 90% ethnic Albanian there are still many Serbian enclaves in the region. The Gracanica Monastery is one such place. You can see by the razor wire that these enclaves remain heavily guarded. UN peacekeeping forces were stationed outside of the gate of the monastery. There have not been any recent incidents between the ethnic Albanians and the Serbs, but hard feelings still remain just beneath the surface and you would only have to scratch lightly to bring it out.
Kosovo, as it is known in Serbian, is considered by many to be the newest country in the world. It declared independence from Serbia in February of this year. Serbia has yet to recognize its independence. The country is run by the joint operations of the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union in cooperations with the independent Kosovar government. While Kosovo is about 90% ethnic Albanian there are still many Serbian enclaves in the region. The Gracanica Monastery is one such place. You can see by the razor wire that these enclaves remain heavily guarded. UN peacekeeping forces were stationed outside of the gate of the monastery. There have not been any recent incidents between the ethnic Albanians and the Serbs, but hard feelings still remain just beneath the surface and you would only have to scratch lightly to bring it out.
1 comment:
So interesting...appreciate the great, detailed info as it enlightens us on this particular part of the world. Such vivid pictures.
Thank you!
Post a Comment