THE CROWN PRINCE ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIFTH OCTOBER DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION

It is time not to lose any more time

On this day, five years ago, the ten year long struggle against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic was crowned. The magnificent image of the people united with all the democratic forces in the streets of Belgrade and other towns in Serbia is still deep inside all of us. Five years passed and the governments elected by the people did a lot on the formation of democratic institutions, the recovery of economy and appeasement with the World.

It is now when we receive the encouraging news from Luxembourg on the beginning of negotiations about the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU.

This decision, symbolic by its date, but crucial for the future of our country, is proof that Europe and the World have recognized our efforts to move forward according to international standards. We must continue to work hard on human rights and the respect of all citizens regardless of their religion or ethnic origin.

Nevertheless, we still have much ahead of us: the issues of Kosovo, the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, the International Hague Tribunal, the Constitution, the continuation of European integration processes with the objective to join the European Union, and the continued recovery of the economy and social services.

These are all key questions of the future of Serbia and we need to engage all the available potential, all the knowledge, energy and good will into creating solutions. It is high time that all democratic forces of this country once again stand united under the same flag together with the people and in the interest of the people, it is time to move on more decisively, it is time to crown democracy. It is time not to lose any more time. Together we can succeed and take a leading role in Europe.

Alexander II

London, 4 October 2005