Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuci said on Sept. 30 that the Kosovo government would be flexible on Serbian officials attending the enthronement of Patriarch Irinej because the event was of a religious nature.

"We will be flexible about visits of a religious character," Kuci told Radio Free Europe.

He said that security would be provided "by the Kosovo police in cooperation with EULEX and KFOR."

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church announced on Sept. 29 that Serbian President Boris Tadic would attend the enthronement of Patriarch Irinej on Oct. 3 in the Patriarchate of Pec.

Kuci said that the Kosovo government was "also in talks with the Serbian government," through the Greek ambassador in Pristina, about the possible visit of some Serbian officials to Kosovo.

"We will be considerate to normal citizens, they will have the opportunity to, on the basis of envisaged controls and procedures, come to our country. We will provide them with the necessary security and the opportunity to move freely and perform religious rituals," said Kuci.