The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Christian Schwarz-Schilling welcomed yesterday’s announcement of the agreement between Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and the Bishop of Zvornik and Tuzla Vasilije to begin activities aimed at the relocation of the Orthodox Church in Konjevic Polje.

“The agreement to relocate the church is extremely significant and should contribute to better relationships between communities in Konjevic Polje and the surrounding area,” the High Representative and EU Special Representative said.

In his public pronouncements in the wake of the agreement, Prime Minister Dodik said that relocation would take place in the shortest possible timeframe and made clear that both the Serbian Orthodox Church and his government also wished to resolve the issue of the Orthodox Church in Divic.

“Rapid resolution of such outstanding issues in an orderly and dignified manner, as in the case of last month’s burials in Bratunac, helps build a virtuous cycle of trust,” the High Representative and EU Special Representative continued. “This positive momentum is critical to restoring confidence among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s peoples.”