Minister Zenka visited Kotor diocese

In preserving coexistence and harmony in Montenegro a great merit belongs to ethnic and religious minorities, said Minister for Human and Minority Rights Mehmed Zenka in a conversation with the bishop of Kotor Monsignor Ilija Janjic.

Minister Zenka visited with his associates Zana Filipovic acting Director General for Relations with Religious Communities and Katarina Pecovic advisor, Kotor Diocese and talked with the Bishop Monsignor Ilija Janjic and Chancellor Don Robert Tonsati. The meeting was an opportunity for introducing with the current issues in relations between Kotor Diocese and the state.

The right to freedom of religion is a basic human right, said Zenka and reiterated the readiness of the state to get the best relations with all religious communities to act in accordance with the Constitution and law. It is the best evidence, he cited the construction and renovation of religious facilities in which the significant resources involved Montenegrin state and citizens.

Monsignor Janjic thanked Minister for his visit and welcomed the intention of the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights for open communication and introducing with the activities of the Kotor Diocese. He also pointed out that the Minister Zenka is first Minister in charge of this issues who has paid a visit to Kotor diocese.

The representatives of the Diocese have sent a message concerning the needs for preserving cultural assets and the reconstruction works of art. Culture is an investment in a common future and it is not recognized sufficiently in our country, stated the Chancellor don Tonsati.

They agreed that the preservation of cultural heritage is of great importance because the culture and art are resistance to oblivion. At the meeting, prospects for future cooperation models were discussed and strengthening communication with relevant departments and partners that could participate in the timely resolution on these important issues has been proposed.

During the meeting, the interlocutors also discussed the importance of the text of the Draft law on freedom of religion and the need for the same to protect the religious freedom of citizens of Montenegro and the rights of religious communities, respecting the principle of secularism, to establish and regulate relations between the state and religious communities in a modern and comprehensive way.

The Ministry for Human and Minority Rights