The leader of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Naim Ternava, through a press statement on Monday condemned the attempt by a Kosovo Serb to demolish the minaret of a mosque in the village of Velekincë, in Gjilan municipality. Ternava said the attack on religious buildings, regardless of motives, is an unacceptable act and as such incites hatred, intolerance and more violence. “We urge the authorities to take appropriate measures for the security of religious buildings.

The leader of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Naim Ternava, said today in Pristina that fostering inter-religious and inter-human tolerance is one of the priorities of the institution he leads. At a meeting with the Austrian Ambassador in Kosovo, Gernot Pfandler, Ternava said that extremism, violence and terrorism have nothing in common with Islam. “It is our responsibility to provide a proper explanation of Islam, far from narrow-minded and extreme interpretations that use religion for other interests,” Ternava said.

Naim Ternava, leader of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, sent a letter to the highest religious authority in Egypt, Ahmed Muhammad Ahmed el-Tayeb, calling on him to use his authority and convince the Egyptian government to support Kosovo’s bid to join the UNESCO. “Kosovo is ready and has all capacities to assume responsibilities in international forums and institutions. For us, membership of the UNESCO is very important, because we would get more experience and receive support in treating, safeguarding and promoting our heritage that best displays the civilization values of our peoples.

Kosovo Mufti Naim Ternava received in a farewell meeting the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif. Ternava thanked Zarif for his work, contribution and engagement in Kosovo and wished him success in his new mission. Ternava also praised the work and the contribution of the United Nations for Kosovo. Zarif, on his part, thanked Ternava for the cooperation during his mission in Kosovo and also noted the progress Kosovo has made in this period.

Express carries an interview that Naim Ternava, head of the Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK) gave to Deutsche Welle.

What is your position toward the arrest of people suspected of extremism, jihad and terrorism in Kosovo?