STATEMENT OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MONTENEGRO REFERENDUM RESULTS

Dear Citizens of Serbia, My Dear People!

It has been officially confirmed that the people of Montenegro voted for independence. I am sad, but I wish our Montenegrin brothers peace, democracy and happiness. The people of Montenegro are our brothers and sisters no matter what if we live in one or in two countries, that is how it was and that is how it will be forever.

Now, it is time for us, Serbs, to completely dedicate ourselves to our Serbia. Too much blood has been spilled, too much strength of the people has been wasted, too much reputation has been lost in the twentieth century and even in the twenty first century with few positive results.

We cannot waist anymore precious time. Now is the golden time for Serbia to put itself in order, according to its measures. That measure is the Kingdom of Serbia.

I strongly believe in the Constitutional Parliamentary Kingdom of Serbia. Again, we need to be proud, a strong Serbia that is at peace with itself and with its neighbors. We were a proud, respected and happy country in the days of my great grandfather King Peter I. So, we can do it! Only if we have a form of governance close to the Serbian soul: the Kingdom of Serbia.

In modern Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchies, the Parliament and the Government rule and are elected in elections, just like in a republic. The Head of the State is the King. The King respects all the political parties, but he is not the member of any political party! That is the reason why Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchies are often more stable: for example the United Kingdom, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, and Spain… Spain is an exceptional example of a country that Monarchy with King Juan Carlos returned to the path the success and respect after decades of problems.

Simply, the King is above daily politics, he is the guardian of national unity, political stability and continuity of the state. In Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchies the King is the protector of public interest: there is no personal or party interest. What is most important is the interest of Serbia.

I am ready to meet all our politicians; we have to work together for the common good of Serbia, and to be friends in the name of the future of our country. I appeal for the end of the continuous wrangling, division and arguments. I appeal for mature democratic debate in the interest of Serbia. Serbia must have clear and realistic objectives.

Now, we must skillfully move ahead with political unity and maturity to launch a strategic plan for the future of Serbia. Serbia must be reborn as a modern nation respecting itself with a positive and respected image both internally and externally. That can be achieved with passionate and persistent work for our country, based on a clear vision of our future.

The Kingdom of Modern Serbia will be a proud respected democratic country with respect for all citizens regardless of their political affiliation, religion or ethnic origin.

The Crown is positive for our democracy. The Crown respects and protects everyone. The Crown strengthens our democracy. The Crown brings credibility. The Crown reconciles.

I am proud of Serbia and wish to serve to our country. The Kingdom of Serbia is Serbia’s answer for a strong, democratic Serbia in Europe. The Kingdom of Serbia will provide the fastest way forward to the European Union, it will encourage work on attracting investments, stimulating economic growth, and work for the creation of jobs and social services, pensions and education of our youth.

Let’s no waste any more time. Serbia must move ahead.

I want to serve Serbia.

Long live Serbia!

Belgrade, 24 May 2006