 |
| Picture of Xhafer Deva |
The European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said the project to restore Xhafer Deva's house in South Mitrovica has been suspended.
The decision follows objections to the restoration of Deva's house, whose figure has been linked to crimes committed by the Nazis during World War II.
"We are in contact with all parties involved and re-evaluate our role and contribution, including the opportunity to use the current situation as an opportunity to openly address the past through discussions and consultations with all relevant communities," is said in an EU and UNDP joint announcement, REL reports.
German Ambassador to Pristina Jorn Rohde has described Xhafer Deva as a "close collaborator of the Nazis".
Xhafer Deva was an Albanian politician during the Second World War, 1939-1945. In 1944, Deva was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs in the Government of Albania, which was formed with the support of Nazi Germany.
"The UNDP and the EU strongly condemn anti-Semitism and xenophobia and their many manifestations, including the growing intolerance of ethnic minorities and vulnerable communities. We are committed to protecting the vulnerable, to promoting fundamental human rights, and to upholding freedom, dignity, and the fight against misinformation."
On February 1, the EU, UNDP, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports announced the restoration project of Xhafer Deva's house.
 |
| The house of Xhafer Deva |
UNDP and the EU said the aim of the project was to bring communities together and contribute to social cohesion, using cultural heritage as an instrument for inter-community dialogue.
Xhafer Deva House is said to have been built in 1930 by Austrian architects and workers.
According to the MCYS, the building has a modern Western-European style and is the first of its kind in Mitrovica. It is characterized by numerous decorations that, according to the MCYS, are typical of its style.