Saopštenje

23 November 2003

DNEVNIK- Novi Sad

INTERVIEW: CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II KARADJORDJEVIC

MONARCH AS A WARRANT OF STABILITY

I am no pretender. I am for real and the rules of the Royal House established by King Peter I and King Alexander I clearly bear out that

These days, when for the third time the elections in Serbia failed, and the country again was left without a president, when the alarm was set off in Europe, in fear of the rising right wing, Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic addressed the public from Dedinje Palace, advocating reestablishment of constitutional parliamentary monarchy. The Crown Prince believes it is the way out of the crisis for Serbia, and the way to restore its reputation in the world, for as he says: “Serbia achieved all its great victories throughout its history as a monarchy”. Surprisingly, the Crown Prince’s offer did not have much effect even among the parties that support monarchy in their programs, and have paved the way for Alexander’s and the Karadjordjevics’ return to the country.

How do you estimate the present moment in Serbia?

Very serious in that we have failed for the third time with our presidential elections and that we have lost the sense of direction. Our public is disillusioned and the international community concerned, and that affects investors and partners which touches on jobs and survival.

In addition we are in a kind of a vacuum now with no president and a dissolved parliament. I must stress the importance for people to turn out rain or shine to vote for who they wish in the 28 December parliamentary elections.

Why do you think this is the right moment for reestablishment of monarchy?

The moment is ripening, but we need parliament and a constitutional body. In addition the public must understand what constitutional monarchy is. The media must also participate in debating Constitutional monarchy.

The principal of Constitutional Monarchy for example in Spain, Denmark, Holland, Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium etc is that the monarch reigns and the government rules. The monarch provides the guarantee for democracy, unity and continuity. The monarch respects all political elements that abide by democratic principles and is not a member of any political party. The monarch respects all religions, ethnic origin. Exactly what is need in our country and works well in other countries.

What could you promise to the people when you access the throne ?

Stability, unity and respect for all regardless of political persuasion. Respect for the government in power and the opposition. A neutral meeting point. A new positive image for all citizens and a very much needed positive image abroad. The ability for the freely elected government of the day to get on with its task.

How do you see the feasibility of your proposal regarding the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro and the position of Kosovo and Metohija which is directly connected to the survival of the State Union? Do you think you would be recognized by the Government in Podgorica and the people of Montenegro?

The reestablishment of Constitutional Monarchy in Serbia would not endanger the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, but even improve the relationship between the two states. If the citizens decide to have within a union a republic, such as Montenegro, and a constitutional monarchy, like Serbia, it might function quite well.

Please note that there are republics and monarchies within the European Union who work on a daily basis together. I see no problem with Montenegro as I am proud to have both Serbian and Montenegrin blood.

If Serbia declines reestablishment of monarchy at this moment, where does, in your opinion, this county go to? What is its future, and do you see any of our politicians whom you would support personally in the current struggle for power?

This is my country and my home. My roots are here. It is great to be home. Of course I would be saddened that Constitutional Monarchy would have not appealed to some, but I would say the that task now is to calmly explain to the people what is Constitutional Monarchy and why it works for example in Spain or other countries. A Constitutional Monarch does not have a favorite politician he is supposed to be friends with them all and that means even those who are against. The objective is to be fair and unite the country for the people.

How much support does your proposal have abroad, and have you discussed the issue of monarchy with anybody in Washington or Brussels or any other centre of power in the world?

In a sovereign state such as ours we have the right to choose what kind of constitution we wish. There would be acclamation from abroad since within the European Union there are constitutional monarchies such as: Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The United States recognizes and has diplomatic relations with Constitutional Monarchies such the ones I mentioned and in addition Norway, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc. The interest for such a solution even from republics would be very positive and respectful. I have on numerous occasions spoken with foreign entities and found only positive interest with the comment that this is internal matter for our country to decide.

Have you felt how much support for monarchy and your accession to the throne is there among the people, during all this time that you spent in the country?

It has been wonderful traveling extensively throughout the homeland and being warmly received by everyone. So many people have turned out to see us, welcome us and we have never encountered anything negative. All municipalities have been very warm regardless of political party.

Do you have allies for accessing the throne among relevant political parties and who are they? Are you disappointed by the promises given before DOS came to power with your help, and by what followed during these three years?

Political parties are free to decide what platform they wish, but it is important that they understand that a constitutional monarch such as myself fully recognizes all political parties that function on democratic principles. So it is clearly in the interest of all political parties and all politicians to adopt constitutional monarchy as a guarantor for the functioning and continuity of the democratic state just like in the countries mentioned previously. I am disappointed with no one only sad for the people who are having a tough time.

Do you fulfill all the prerequisites that a pretender to Serbian Crown must fulfill, including those required by the rules of Karadjordjevic Dynasty? There are some negations of yourself in the very family?

I am no pretender. I am for real and the rules of the Royal House established by King Peter I and King Alexander I clearly bear out that. The first born is in the line of succession. The members of the royal family have no option but to respect what two great kings established. It is their blood in their veins.

Dragan Milivojevic