Minister for Communities and Returns, Aleksandar Jablanovic spoke to Radio Dukagjini following his statements about protesters in Gjakova/Djakovica who did not allow Serbian pilgrims to visit the city's church on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas. Jablanovic said he did not call the residents of Gjakova/Djakovica "beasts" but certain individuals who threw stones at the Serbian pilgrims. He also said that he was not aware of the large number of victims the city suffered during the 1998-99 conflict. "I have respect for the victims and, to be honest, I didn't know about catastrophic losses that occurred in Gjakova/Djakovica during the bombing. I learnt this after my statement from some Albanian friends", said Jablanovic.