SLOBODNA DALMACIJA, 1 February 2010 
 

The son of the last Yugoslav King

 
The Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic: I would like to see Josipovic very soon

Following the disastrous wars of succession, sanctions, the mismanagement of the economy, and the criminal bombing that damaged the infrastructure and industry, the people have suffered tremendously and not only in Serbia. Citizens have had a very difficult time to recover and are still struggling. In addition, the recession is another headache – said Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic, the son of the last Yugoslav King, Peter II in the interview for Slobodna Dalmacija.

After the fall of Milosevic regime, the Crown Prince, together with his family, live in Serbia where he is actively involved the political life, but follows the occurrences in the neighbouring countries as well. Despite obstacles in the past, the Crown Prince is certain that the wars could have been avoided. 

We must face the fact that due to the madness’s in the last decade of the 20th century years have been lost. Citizens are struggling, not satisfied, disappointed and sad when so much could have been avoided.

What has the rule of Slobodan Milosevic brought to Serbia and its citizens?

We must continue to recover from the problems of the past. The people in Serbia suffered and so did the former Yugoslavia. The use of negative religion and negative nationalism paid a terrible toll throughout the former Yugoslavia. People were killed and people suffered because of the abuse of power and disrespect of human rights.

You are supporting the concept of the Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy, which, according to your opinion would be acceptable to the citizens of Serbia.  What would such a system of government bring to Serbia?

 - Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy works very well for example in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxemburg and Spain. We must also not forget Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. All the countries I mention are fully democratic and have a very advanced social system. The power is with the elected government where the Prime Minister rules with his cabinet and there are free and fair elections just like in a Republic. Such a system would be very acceptable in Serbia and respected by neighbours.
 
The need for a neutral head of state who is not a member of a political party is very important. This is no disrespect to those in power now since the politicians would be the same as today. A neutral head of state would provide stability, unity, continuity and be a neutral meeting point. Serbia would have a new positive image and be proud. In addition it should be noted that in the European Union Republics and Constitutional Monarchies work hand in hand for the common good of all citizens.
 
What is your view of the relationship between Serbia and Croatia? How do you personally see Croatia, its policy and relationship with the region? What are your comments on the results of presidential elections in Croatia and would you like to meet the new Croatian President?

 - My hope is that relations improve very much since we need each as we move forward to become members of the European Union. Our two countries must get on for the sake of jobs, investments and for economic success in the region. The respect of human rights and tolerance is fundamental and must be fully and firmly respected. Both sides made mistakes and I believe we all wish to go forward by improving relations. I followed the elections in Croatia and wish President Josipović all the best for the future and it would be a pleasure to meet him.
 
 ACCUSATION FOR GENOCIDE

 What do you think of the Serbian charge of genocide submitted by the Serbian government against Croatia?

 - What happened was appalling and the suffering was shocking. Families are still mourning and in pain. I am certain that with skilful meetings a solution can be found respecting the victims of both sides and taking both sides to a better future which would be most certainly for the common interest of both our peoples and the European Union.  We cannot be constantly entrenched and lose time for our future generations to live in peace. We must not repeat what happened and we must prevent any more nightmares.

WAR COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED

Could the unfortunate war of 1991 have been avoided and how?

 - Yes, the tragedy could have been avoided if mature civilized negotiations had taken place. As far as divorces go, this one was the most shocking in history. People paid the price because of the madness of politicians using negative nationalism and religion all because of power and hatred. This is quite amazing at the end of the 20th century and more like the Middle Ages.

REFERENDUM FOR NATO

Should Serbia become a NATO member?

 - Austria and Sweden are not members of NATO and why can’t we be like them. NATO bombed Serbia. It is still premature and a referendum might be in good order.

CLOSE TO RUSSIA BUT WANT TO BE MEMBERS OF EU

If Serbia is entering the EU, why is it politically and economically closer to Moscow than to Brussels?

We are close to Russia and Serbia’s objective is to be a member of the European Union just like Croatia, but this does not stop Serbia being a friend of Russia and Russia being a friend of the European Union.

BORN IN HOTEL

Aleksandar Karadjordjevic was born in 1945 in London as only child of Yugoslav King Peter II and Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark in suite 212 of Claridge's Hotel, which was under the orders of Winston Churchill declared Yugoslav territory. His grandmother, from his father’s side was Queen Maria Karadjordjevic, a Romanian Princess, daughter of the Romanian King Ferdinand and Queen Maria who was British Princess (granddaughter of Queen Victoria), meaning that the Crown Prince Alexander is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria. His father, King Peter II died in 1970 in Denver, Colorado and he is the only European King buried in the United States.