In connection with the European Union's decision to ban JAT flights between Union member countries and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, HRH Crown Prince Alexander made the following statement today: 
 
I would like to register my protest against the ban on JAT flights.  Sanctions against JAT will suit only the regime in Belgrade while the citizens will be the victims.  The regime in Belgrade thrives on isolation and boycott imposed by the West.  This is why I would like to warn the international factors that the regime will benefit enormously from the re-imposition of the sanctions since it controls most of the media, and thanks to them, portrays itself as the defender of the people's interests.  One should not forget that the current regime in Belgrade is simply the continuation of Communist rule in another format.  The regime uses negative nationalism and even attempts to misuse people's religious feelings in order to keep itself in power. 

In this situation, people believe they have to support this regime which controls the entire society and all the institutions.  And while people suffer, the regime thrives on isolation and an unhealthy state of affairs.  In addition, the fact that the regime does not shrink from starting fresh conflicts in order to stay in power, causes great concern.  It is for these reasons that the international community should do everything in its power to help the democratic opposition to change the current regime and to implement radical reforms necessary for ensuring our country's better future. 

All citizens, who work in favour of genuine democratic reforms, are running into many obstacles, but must not give up since our common aim is to have a government in Belgrade which will put the interests of the people first and bring the country back into the community of nations.  As regards me personally, I give my full support to people who favour that course of action and I shall act together with people from all strata of society who fight for democracy, human rights and radical reforms. 
 

London, 18 September 1998