Kostic: Traces of fear from pogrom still visible

GRACANICA - Vladeta Kostic as the mayor of Gracanica, central Kosovo-Metohija (KiM), said that traces of fear from pogrom are still present in the lives of Serbs in KiM because the event which began on this day 11 years ago left a lasting imprint on the people.

Kostic said that Serbs in KiM will never forget the innocent lives claimed during the violent riots that lasted several days in 2004, states the release issued by the Gracanica municipality.

Kostic recalled that the entire area around Gracanica was targeted by destruction and that Gracanica itself was and still remains a symbol of survival and struggle for a better life for all those living in KiM.

We will never forget the victims and we will never forget the destruction of our spirituality and culture, but we must find the strength to recover and persist, the Gracanica mayor said.

All we are asking for is equality in the right to safety, economic development, survival and return of the banished citizens, Kostic said and called on all those who incited, organised and carried out the March pogrom to own up to their burden of responsibility.

Photo Tanjug, Z. Zestic (archive)