ITALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRES IN BELGRADE

Belgrade, 23 February 2005 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II attended this evening the lecture “Italy – Serbia and Montenegro – Europe” held at the Kolarac Foundation.

The present were addressed and warmly welcomed by HE Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Belgrade. Afterwards, HE Vuk Draskovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed the present recalling the historical links between our country and Italy, and added:

“At the height of our sovereignty we carried the Byzantine flag. Today, you, Mr. Gianfranco are situated on the bridge, because Serbia and Montenegro is the bridge between Europe and Asia, Adriatic Sea and Danube, and Balkans and Russia. Versatile cooperation is mutual need. Thank you Italian people for efforts you put into defending the Serbian people on Kosovo and Metohia, preserving the residence of the Patriarch in Pec and the Monastery Decane. It is the defense of Christianity, and Europe is based on it. Welcome among your friends.”

HE Gianfranco Fini, Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, pointed out in his address that he is very happy to have the opportunity to address such an esteemed assembly made of representatives of the Government, Commerce and Industry, and all other important components of society. He recalled the great historical and geographical connection of our two countries and expressed the wish of the Italian Government to help in deepening the traditionally good relations that contribute in large to the stability in this part of Europe. Cooperation on all levels, which is based on joint initiative, according to the words of HE Gianfranco Fini, will lead us towards strengthening the economies of both countries and their quicker and more successful development.

“We must not forget the cooperation on the level of education. We have at our disposal the information that a large number of pupils and students from Serbia and Montenegro reside in Italy during their studies. Different forms of cooperation create a constant balance and make the overcoming of difficulties easier, in creating the necessary stability in this part of Europe” – emphasized HE Gianfranco Fini.

Later on during his speech, HE Djanfranco Fini presented a vision of Europe, which represents a community in which all people live in dignified conditions, regardless of their religious, political and national orientation.

“Europe is an idea, Europe is a place which will gather all people who defend their tradition, and in Europe there is no place for those who wish to disunite it”- pointed out HE Gianfranco Fini.

After his closing words, HE Gianfranco Fini answered questions raised by those present.

Beside His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II and HE Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Belgrade, the lecture was attended by HE Vuk Draskovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Prvoslav Davinic, Minister of Defense, HE Zoran Stojkovic, Minister of Justice, HE Predrag Bubalo, Minister of Economy, HE Radomir Naumov, Minister of Mining and Energy, Mr. Vladimir Bozovic, assistant of Minister of Police Dragan Jocic, Mr. Nikola Hajdin, President of Serbian Academy of Science and Arts, HE Archbishop Antonio Sbarbaro, Apostolic Nuncio, representative of the Holy See, representatives of the diplomatic corps, rectors of the University of Belgrade, and a large number of students.