Dialogue to resolve Islamic community issues

BELGRADE - Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic met Wednesday with Reis ul Ulema Adem Zilkic and Mufti Muhamed Jusufspahic of the Islamic Community of Serbia and underlined the importance of the country's Islamic community, noting that its issues should be resolved through dialogue and compromise.

Nikolic said that Serbia is forging alliances with countries around the world, adding that Serbian citizens of Muslim faith can make a significant contribution to the development of friendly relations with Islamic countries, the president's press service stated in a release.

Zilkic and Jusufspahic informed the president about the issues that pose a threat to the Islamic Community of Serbia.

The issue of the community's status, that is, its entry into the Register of Churches and religious communities, remains unresolved despite the fact that the government's commission and a number of court rulings found it to be indisputable, the release states.

Also important is the issue of restitution of property of the Islamic community, which primarily refers to Bajrakli Mosque in Belgrade, Bali Bey Mosque at the Nis fortress, and Sheikh Mustafa's Tomb in Belgrade, as well as other buildings.

There are reasons to believe that the property subject to restitution is being sold at a fast pace, which will prevent its return to the rightful owners, stressed Zilkic.

President Nikolic promised to do everything he can to resolve the situation in the best interest of Serbia's Islamic community.

Photo Tanjug/B. Slavkovic