PRINCESS KARADJORDJEVIC IN WASHINGTON

PRINCESS KATHERINE KARADJORDJEVIC

“The Serbian Diaspora in the USA could accomplish more. These people are great. We wish they keep in constant touch with their homeland in order to understand the situation back home. The Serbian Diaspora people know their country went through a war, they help their relatives in Serbia and Montenegro, but they should try to help more. It is not only about personal help: individuals should encourage their neighbors, friends and colleagues, especially Americans, and inform them on the facts about our country, since many are not informed enough. Given that the Diaspora is large, I wish lobbying for our country was much more intensive. My goal is to help our health care system, and thus we will visit several cities in America. Serbian health Minister appointed me the coordinator for health issues in our country. My husband and I always think of possible ways to help more. Our aim is to help our health institutions to receive modern sophisticated equipment. Serbia and Montenegro are part of Europe and our health system should be similar to others in Europe”.

What are your expectations regarding your humanitarian organization “Lifeline” and do you keep in touch with American donors, beside those from the Diaspora?

“By all means. The Diaspora recognizes most of the problems. We try to raise the interest of Americans in our country, because if they are not quite familiar with the situation, they wouldn’t help. Our people have been through a lot of conflicts and great difficulties during the past decade. There are the children, the sick, the elderly that need help. Unfortunately, many promises were given, but the international community fulfilled very few. I hope the international community will react upon our appeal to bring more help to our country.”

Finally, what would be your message to the citizens of Serbia and Montenegro?

“We have to join together, to be proud and to respect each other regardless of the religious and other differences. We have to set an example for the world and to show that a country is willing and able to prevail the conflict, to transform and lead a decent life. We have to make efforts to draw investors from abroad, to cooperate and to make Serbia and Montenegro the most important country of the region.