The Kosovo Crisis is not over. This crisis, like previous ones, took advantage of ancient differences between the Eastern and Western traditions. Both of them, however, are justified in their own right. The CEC and its member churches are called upon to work towards overcoming the theological and historical causes for the current divisions in Europe. In view of the experiences the churches have had of stereotyped images of each other, partly transmitted by the media, ways of exchanging information and seeking each other's support have to be found both during conflicts with religious and ethnic aspects and when preventative measures are being taken to stop them happening 4.
Religion is often an element in conflicts or is misused as such by politicians.
Interchurch dialogue and that between churches and Muslim communities is therefore all the more urgent, particularly at local level. The OSCE countries are requested to take advantage of the role the religious communities in the region could play in preventing conflicts and mediating between the two sides. The NATO bombing raids did not solve the complex problems of the region. There is anurgent need to develop long-term preventative strategies for conflict resolution and reconciliation. The CEC is therefore asked to set up a centre for the support and coordination of peace and reconciliation work carried out by religious communities in the region.