ANKARA - Foreign Ministry said on Friday that they covered with deep sorrow and concern that acts of violence in Kosovo, which may lead to serious negative impact also on regional security, still continued despite all the efforts of the international community.
Foreign Ministry issued a statement and said, ``we underline that acts of violence, which damage developments recorded in Kosovo so far for settlement of atmosphere of compromise and tolerance, will not be tolerated whatever their reasons are.``
The statement expressed regret that historical works of art as well as places of worship, which are the mutual cultural heritage of whole humanity, are targeted in incidents in Kosovo. The statement also expressed regret over devastation of Bayrakli Mosque in Belgrade, which is a historical Ottoman work of art.
Foreign Ministry statement said, ``we note the statements of Serbian authorities, who condemned the attacks on Bayrakli mosque and mosques in Nis and Novi Sad cities, that the assailants would be captured. We hope that necessary measures would be taken to prevent repetition of similar unrestraint behaviors.``
The statement called on all the sides to listen to the calls of the international community and to act with restraint. The sides were also called on to undertake their responsibility to re-install peace and stability in Kosovo.
(AY-AÖ) 19.03.2004