10th ANNIVERSARY OF 5TH OCTOBER CHANGES

Belgrade, 4 October 2010 - HRH Crown Prince Alexander has issued a statement on the 10th anniversary of the 5th October 2000 revolutionary events in Serbia. It reads as follows:

“We are marking the 10th anniversary of the 5tth of October revolutionary changes in Serbia. During the past ten years we have witnessed momentous developments in our country, both positive and negative.

The crowning achievement of the 5th of October was Serbia’s definitive break with one party rule and a shift towards democratic practices at all levels of public life. We have had four democratic governments which have tried to change the country for the better with varying degrees of success. A new constitution and numerous new laws have been introduced. Political life has moved from the streets to Parliament and it is perhaps worth recalling here that the construction of the parliament building started in 1907 during the reign of my great grandfather King Peter I.

Visas for the European Union Shengen countries have been abolished. Serbia will acquire the status of an EU candidate next year. Relationships with the neighbouring countries are being normalised and trade is growing. The consolidation of links with countries of the South East European region has been achieved through the CEFTA Treaty with Serbia occupying her rightful place. My grandfather King Alexander I was a strong advocate of Serbia’s active role in such regional cooperation. Many other things have improved: industrial production and exports, direct foreign investments and worldwide contacts, social care and new jobs.

On the negative side: a Prime Minister has been assassinated, the rule of law has not been fully re-established, the fight against corruption and organised crime is not yet finished, Serbia has still not regained her rightful place in Europe and the world, the state union with Montenegro has ceased to exist, Kosovo has declared unilateral independence, relations with the Serbian Diaspora are not strong enough and not enough is being done to foster the sense of national identity and togetherness of Serbs in Serbia with their brethren outside her borders.

However, much has been achieved and we must be forward looking. Serbia’s future lies both in Europe and in the Balkans. It is the duty of us all to turn Serbia into a modern democratic European state with the rule of law and strict observance of human rights. While remaining true to our old traditions and spiritual values, we must embrace modern methods of governing the state and running an economy. We must also encourage the further development of Serbian culture and creativity with special attention paid to our young people. We owe this to our children and grandchildren. This is the legacy of the date we celebrate today.

The Karageorgevitch Royal House, whose fate is inextricably linked with that of the Serbian nation, is ready to make its contribution to the rebirth of Serbia as a modern and prosperous European state which will enable all citizens to achieve a decent standard of living and a safe future.”