1999: interview with the then Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade, Franc Perko, a character well known in Belgrade, which was then Metropolitan Archbishop. Very interesting read it again after the events in Genoa.
Born in '29, Franc Perko is Slovenian. He welcomes me into his study load of books, magazines and knick-knacks, which shows a vast culture and cultivated: it is a theologian and orientalist "basilica." He was sentenced to four years in prison, who served from '55 to '58 just in Belgrade. Archbishop smokes a pipe and has a frank talk.
Just today we celebrate Cyril and Methodius, the evangelists of the Balkans. What do you suggest the events of the patrons of Europe "two lungs", along with Benedict?
"In the current difficult situation it is very important that the church contributes to the creation of a new mentality of forgiveness, coexistence, and why not, mutual love. Between individuals and between ethnic groups. Peace depends on this change in attitude, but can not be done overnight. Needless to delude themselves. It is a challenge, a responsibility not only for the Catholic Church, but also for the Orthodox and the Muslim community. I think My church is ready to take this step, which indeed is already doing. But I am happy that the Orthodox Church has launched in the same direction, admitting some mistakes in the past. It is a hope, we must be patient and optimistic. "
The propaganda of the regime is intrusive. But even in the West often do not have full information. So you paint the Serbs as evil and almost belligerent ...
"No. All people are equal. Some people from ethnic Serbs are under the influence of evil, that's another story. But people like it exists in all people. So you can not even divide the population between good and bad, but there is something that, in my opinion, has distorted the political horizon, religious and social development: the idea of \u200b\u200bGreater Serbia, which would be Defence (and won) against those who threaten its existence. In the second last Balkan war, that of '91, paradoxically only defenders were in conflict: tell me, is not difficult to stop a war when there's only one striker, one culprit? The current regime has used this idea of \u200b\u200ba Greater Serbia in the recent conflict: Serbia would not exist without Kosovo. Some religious leaders have repeatedly supported this idea, since the war with Croatia, I know for sure in the days before the war, influential clergymen in Krajina launch and sustain this theory. On that occasion he was even refused a Croatian plan (called the Z4), a high degree of autonomy for the region. And now, after redistribution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed in Dayton, Greater Serbia is no more. It is true, it is clear the spectrum of a Greater Albania, which argues, inter alia, in the ethnic cleansing carried out by Kosovar Albanians in a number of villages inhabited by Serbs, even before the latter conflict. It is time to stop these lies and political history. "
Balkan card is awesome for mixing ethnic. It would be definitely possible to divide the ethnic groups? Would rather not plan for their peaceful coexistence?
"divide the ethnic groups in the Balkans is absolutely impossible, as demonstrated by the war in Bosnia and now Kosovo conflict. Again, more than a political (though necessary) we need a change of mentality to reach the consciousness that we must live together. Only this is the future, to which all religious communities must work together. You know, for example codes of revenge between the Albanians in Kosovo Catholics had proposed and carried out a general pardon for all Albanians, Catholics or Muslims who they were. The accounts had been cleared. But Catholics Albanians had not addressed this call to forgive one another as Serbs and Roma. Would now be appropriate to do so. True, there are thousands of deaths that weighed on the scales, but without resetting the vendettas will not be able to get out alive. The Catholic Church is ready to take this step, we hope that they are also Catholics. "
Europe is uncertain, because in her womb gave birth to this war, settled with the American bombers. What role can still play the old continent?"Europe has made many mistakes, but has also had its merits. Without his presence - I say this without qualms - things would have been much worse. After the collapse of Communism, which had been silenced by fear of the ethnic strife by giving fifty years of apparent peace to the Balkans, social movements have been restarted. Younger people, rightly, no longer tolerate to remain under the domain of adults. Russia itself, with its fifteen major ethnic groups, is on the verge of explosion. I think the process of African decolonization teach us something: the boundaries, whatever they are, must remain intact. This principle has saved Africa from total anarchy. In the Balkans held until it came up this idea of \u200b\u200ba Greater Serbia, and everything is blown into the air. Bosnia has been saved thanks to this principle of the immutability of borders. I believe the same will happen with Kosovo. Autonomy of individual regions, yes. Independence, no. "
In his view, what are the positive sides of the Serbian people?
"The hospitality, friendship and respect, especially - actually - for those on their side. A young Serbian student said to me one day: we are friends, because then we do not have the same language? I replied that we had to respect each and love, but in diversity. The Serbs are also excellent not only in football but also in culture. It is a proud and noble people. "
When will true peace in the Balkans?
"Between 10,000 years."
10 000 without discount?
"Unless providence does not intervene. This I hope and believe. "
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