"Vatican won't recognize Kosovo soon"

17 June 2008 12:39 Source: Tanjug

MOSCOW -- The Vatican does not intend to recognize Kosovo Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence in the near future, Cardinal Walter Casper says.

The cardinal is the Chairman of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and was a on a private visit to Russia when he was interviewed by weekly Itogi.

Casper, who was in Russia in late May, when he met with Russian Orthodox Church head Patriarch Alexei II, said that the Vatican understands the concerns of Russia and its church over the Kosovo problem.

"We also understand that Kosovo is the cradle of the Serbian Orthodox Church," the cardinal was quoted as saying.

He also added that the Holy See's position is that all ethnic minorities are entitled to social, religious and cultural self-determination, including the Kosovo Albanians and the Serb minority which currently lives in the territory of Kosovo.

But the cardinal added that the Serbs are "seriously limited in the realization of these rights".

Itogi described Casper as "one of the most influential church dignitaries, the best Vatican diplomat and a person who enjoys the trust of current Pope Benedict XVI".

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