CATHOLIC CHURCH’S CONSTRUCTION HALTED AGAIN FOLLOWING ISLAMIC COMMUNITY’S REQUEST

MOSTAR, NOVEMBER 3 /SRNA/ – Construction of the Catholic Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Mostar downtown, whose foundation stone was laid nearly 30 years ago and whose property-related legal matters have been definitively resolved, has once again been halted, this time over the revocation of urban planning approval following a request by the Majlis of the Islamic Community, Večernji list reported in its BiH edition.

The daily newspaper notes that this is yet another example of a recognizable pattern of behavior towards projects trying to be implemented in this part of Mostar.

The Diocese of Mostar-Duvno confirmed that land disputes had been legally settled and that the permits required for construction to resume had been obtained. However, following an intervention by the Majlis of the Islamic Community and an inspection procedure, the Ministry of Construction and Spatial Planning revoked the urban planning approval previously issued by the City of Mostar.

Večernji list recalls that the Majlis of the Islamic Community and the Mufti's Office of Mostar had previously raised objections to the location of the planned church, associating the site with the area known as the Lakišića Harem. These claims were subsequently refuted through further interpretations. The Islamic Community also opposes the construction of the Croat National Theatre in Mostar.

If property-related legal matters have been resolved and the necessary permits obtained, the newspaper emphasizes, the public has the right to an explanation of the legal grounds based on which the urban planning approval was subsequently revoked.

"Religious communities have the right to express their views, but decisions concerning construction and the use of space must be made by the civil authorities in accordance with the law," the article reads.

The foundation stone for the Church of the Resurrection of Christ was laid in 1996, but construction work was halted several years later.