Basescu urges Serbia to recognize Romanian Church
Belgrade, 18.04.2006 15:56
The visiting Romanian President Traian Basescu brought up the issue on registration of Romanian Church in Serbia.
After the talks with Serbia-Montenegro (SCG) President Svetozar Marovic, Basescu told the news conference that in course of adoption by parliament of the law on churches and religious communities, the authorities in Belgrade should recognize the Romanian Orthodox Church in the same way Serbian Orthodox Church is being recognized in Romania.
SCG president hailed Basescu's position on the church, saying that ecclesiastical authorities need to ensure that the new law provides equal rights to all citizens of the countries in the region aspiring for EU integration.
Marovic, at the same time, underscored that Serbian Orthodox Church should be well aware of Romania's recognition of Serbian Church i.e. Romania allows the existence of temples and priests of Serbian Church.
As regards Kosovo, Romanian president reiterated Bucharest's position on mutually agreeable solution that will not affect the internationally recognized borders.
As regards the Montenegro independence referendum slated for May, Basescu said no matter what the outcome of the upcoming referendum, his country would recognize the results of the referendum /end/