| Chapter 9. Destruction of Cultural and Historic Sites in Yugoslavia By Nina Posidelow and Athanasia Mantzouranis (Washington DC) Introduction Furthermore, the situation has been exacerbated by the KLA. KFOR, under the auspices of NATO, is circuitously allowing the KLA to destroy, loot, burn, demolish and vandalize these sites by not enforcing the peace. Evidence The following Archeological Sites, Monuments and Cemeteries, Mosques, Churches and Monasteries, Historic Sites, and Modern Monuments are a partial list, representing the most significant damage and destruction as a result of NATO air raids and KLA terrorism: Archeological Sites Monuments/Cemeteries Mosques Churches and Monasteries Repeated bombing near the Patriarchate of Pec, which is the spiritual seat and mausoleum of Serbian Archbishops and Patriarchs, has devastated the frescos of the 13th century, detaching them from the walls and waiting for imminent collapse. The church of Gracanica Monastery, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage property, was built in the 1320s. It houses a significant collection of icons and has lost portion of its frescos, which have detached from the wall. The Decani Monastery, also a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, is the richest treasure in Serbia, with 60 icons from the 14th century, old manuscripts and other liturgical objects. The extremely rare sculptures made of onyx and the structural integrity have been jeopardized by repeated bombings. | |
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