THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES VISITED SUBOTICA

Belgrade, 19 November, 2004 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine have visited Subotica today.  They were accompanied by Lord Janner http://www.greville-janner.org.uk/index.html and H.E. Ambassador of Israel, Mrs. Jaffa Ben–Ari. 

Their Royal Highnesses and their guests visited the Subotica Municipality Hall, where Mr. Geza Kucera, the president of the Municipality Hall and his closest associates gave them a warm welcome. Mr Kucera informed Their Royal Highnesses about the life and developing plan of Subotica and its suburbs and pointed out at the difficulties they face. The Crown Prince was delighted by such a nice welcome.  He thanked the hosts and said in his speech: 

“Only all of us together, fully respecting all religions and ethnic minorities, we can have a better future. We must place our country among the developed, democratic, European countries, where she belongs. We must do everything in our power to attract foreign investors to come and invest in new factories and new jobs. We must not forget our young people in that period of development. The young people are our future and we have to provide them with better conditions for education and further training, so they can apply in practice the gained knowledge in the best possible way. We must keep them here, among their own people.” 

Then a visit to the Jewish Community followed.   Mr. Franjo Percic, the president of the Jewish Community, welcomed the guests. The guests took this opportunity to discuss a mutual project of repairing the old Synagogue in Subotica, with the assistance of the Israeli Embassy and Lord Janner. 

Their Royal Highnesses and their guests then visited the Subotica Health Centre, gynaecology and neonatology departments. They were warmly welcomed by Doctor Nebojsa Rakic. Their Royal Highnesses presented a valuable and long awaiting donation of medical equipment, colposcope and the incubator, worth over 13 000 euros. This equipment was provided thanks to great efforts of the Foundation of HRH Princess Katherine. Princess Katherine addressed the present doctors and medical staff. 

“The colposcope and the incubator which we have brought you this time you have been expecting for a long time and we hope that they will help you in your future work. Children are the most precious and it is our obligation to provide them with necessary care”, stressed Princess Katherine in her speech. Doctor Rakic then took Their Royal Highnesses and the other guests to see gynaecology, neonatology and haemodialysis departments. 

Their Royal Highnesses and the guests visited also a Primary School “Istvan Kizur”.  They were warmly welcomed and greeted by the pupils, teachers and the Headmaster, Mr. Zlatko Neorcic. This school has 830 students who, at the same time, have classes both in Serbian and Magyar language. The children were delighted to see Their Royal Highnesses and their guests and performed in their honor a small program. The Foundation of Princess Katherine together with friends from Greece and friends from this year’s Olympic Games, delivered to this school a valuable donation of furniture which is necessary for their classes. Visibly touched and excited HRH Princess Katherine addressed the children and teachers: 

“Thank you for a warm welcome you gave us. You all know that I am very fond of children. Therefore, kids, on behalf of my family and me, I wish you all the best and I wish you to be healthy and happy! Children, thank you!