GLOBUS, CROATIA, 30^th May 2006.

Interview of HRH Crown Prince Alexander II

CROWN PRINCE ON HOLD

By Mark Cigoj

Serbian Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic was ready on Monday, 30^th of May in the Royal Palace in Belgrade to comment on the dissolution of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, and explained why he thinks that the restoration of Monarchy is the best solution for Serbia.

What are your comments on the results of Montenegro referendum?

I am sad, but I wish them all my very best for the future. We will all come together again within the European Union. We always have to work together for the common good of everyone and this is the principle of the European Union. Within the region, we must be good neighbours since we will always need each other to survive as our economies will depend upon good relations.

Is the Serbian nation disturbed with those results?

Serbia is very sad and disturbed. We cannot standstill now we have to create our future and concentrate on planning and strategy. There is much work to be done to improve the quality of life of our people such as with the creation of more jobs and social services through increases investments. We cannot afford to lose anymore time since Europe is moving ahead.

What are your relations with Prince of Montenegro Nikola II Petrovic and his family?

The last time my wife and I met the Prince Nikola and his family in Paris it was very friendly. We wish Prince Nikola and his family all the very best and should they wish to visit us in Belgrade they are always welcome. 

Once before, you stated that “Kosovo as a part of Serbia” is your dream. Do you have the same dream today, and is there any chance that your dreams extend to Montenegro?

Kosovo will always be part of all our dreams and part of the Serbian hope; it is like Jerusalem to us. I am sad about Montenegro, I have Montenegrin blood in my veins and my dreams are there too for good relations and happiness.

RESTORATION OF MONARCHY

What is your comment on Draskovic’s appeal for restoration of the monarchy in Serbia?

Everyone is welcome to support Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy, but I wish to remind everybody that there is no exclusivity for any political party. The principle of Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy is that the king is above politics and is not a member of any political party. The king respects all political parties regardless of their political orientation.

Have you discussed that opportunity with someone from the Serbian Government?

I have met with many politicians over the years and the interesting thing is that there are many people in our political parties that would favour Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy, but there is a lack of understanding of the democratic benefits and lack of information how it works such as in Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Holland etc.. In addition, everyone should understand that I recognize all political parties and I am not a member of any single political party. There is no exclusivity or privilege for any political party. There is for everyone friendship, meeting point, unity, continuity and stability. All parties benefit from the neutrality of Constitutional Parliamentary Monarch. The ruling affairs of the country fall on the democratically elected government.

What are your relations with Vuk Draskovic?

I have good relations with many of our politicians.

What are your relations with Serbian prime-minister Vojislav Kostunica and with President of Serbia Boris Tadic?

I deeply respect our President Boris Tadic and I am proud we are friends just as I deeply respect our Prime Minister and I am proud we are friends too. We meet often.

Why do you oppose to the idea to have the referendum about restoration of monarchy in Serbia?

The possibility is good. What we need in Serbia is as soon as possible is stability, unity and continuity and a positive image We need a neutral head of state who is not a member of any political party and for the democratically elected government the ability to rule Serbia without the almost daily rhetoric between the two most important government offices of our country. We need as soon as possible new image and we can use the examples of kingdoms like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Canada etc where there a positive image, stability and full democracy. Serbia cannot waste anymore time and our people are seriously disillusioned with the lack of progress and results. We need to be a proud nation. Serbia needs a future and must be at peace with itself and all its neighbours.

What is the real possibility for the restoration of the monarchy in Serbia, according to your opinion?

There is the need to work more on grass roots. In the case of Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy in Serbia there has never been an informing campaign of the merits and its democratic principles on the contrary the people have been subjected to negative propaganda over the decades. Like with all-important issues there must be an informative process and fully open democratic exchange of opinions minus useless recriminations. The funny thing is that the Tito era went out its way to make friends and gain favour with the European Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchs. I have found many pictures in the palace of royal visitors and also many pictures of dictators. Today we must all work together in our democracy.

HAPPY MONARCHY

How many royalists are today in Serbia?

There are many people all over Serbia who believe in Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy. There is no roll call.

What is your comment for the support of Serbian Orthodox Church you have received three years ago?

I am proud that the Serbian Orthodox Church has been so supportive. I am also proud of my relations with the Roman Catholic Church, the Muslims and all other religions. My relations with all religions and ethnic groups are also very warm.

Why would Serbs feel better in monarchy?

The people and politicians would feel happier, at easy having a head of state that is not a member of any political party, and respects them all, regardless of their political affiliation. This brings stability, unity and continuity. The politicians would benefit from the structure of government where the prime minister and his cabinet rule and the parliament legislate without interference from the neutral head of state. The people and politicians should understand that there is no threat to them but rather a positive energy for them to fulfil their tasks. We must not forget that the people would feel proud to have a stable government and get on with the business for Serbia and that domestically and internationally the image of our Serbia would greatly benefit.

What would be your role in actual situation in Serbia?

The role of the person that will put people together and respect everyone and that will continue work on bringing investors to Serbia to create jobs.

SOLUTION FOR SERBIA

How would you resolve actual political problems in Serbia?

Work on bring Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy. What we need in Serbia is as soon as possible is to improve stability, unity and continuity and have positive image We need a neutral head of state who is not a member of any political party and for the democratically elected government the ability to rule Serbia. We need as soon as possible a new image and we can use the examples of kingdoms like Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and Belgium, Canada etc where there is a positive image, stability and full democracy

What is your stand in cases of Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic?

We must fulfil our international obligations

You have returned to Serbia five years ago, in July 2001. What has changed since?

It has been very hard for the people. There have been positive changes and new jobs have been created, but there is much to be done move ahead. We must have a plan and strategy.

Royal Compound has been returned to you. Are you going to seek the other royal property as well?

We will have to wait for the Restitution Law.

What are your comments on privatization in Serbia?

The right of private ownership is a foregone conclusion in a democracy.

TO PRESIDENT MESIC AND PRIME MINISTER SANADER I WISH ALL THE BEST

What is Your comment on relations between Serbia and Croatia?

Relations have improved and must always be warm and productive. It is in the interest of Croatia and Serbia that we work together for the common good of both our people. We need each other to survive and we will join each other hopefully soon in the European Union.

What is your opinion on Croatian President Mesic and Prime Minister Sanader?

They have been elected by the people of Croatia so I respect them and wish them all the very best. Everyone must work for the common good of the people.

You were born in London, in suite 212 of Claridges Hotel, declared as a Yugoslav territory by Sir Winston Churchill. Since than, have you maintained friendly relationships with leading British politicians and the Royal Family?

I am proud to have good relations with all royal families and numerous politicians across the world.

You are a great humanitarian worker: it is well known that you are dedicated to that through Foundation of Princess Katherine, your wife, and also through Life Line. What are the effects and results of your endeavours?

My wife and I care about people and it gives much pleasure when we can help those in need. I am very proud of my wife’s humanitarian work and that of her foundation.