CHRISTMAS CHARITY HANDICRAFT BAZAAR UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HRH CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE

Belgrade 10 December 2010 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine together with Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia opened today the traditional Christmas Charity handicraft bazaar in “Progres” Gallery in Knez Mihajlova Street.

The Bazaar is organized by HRH Crown Princess Katherine’s Foundation with the aim to help women refugees and internally displaced persons who have been trying for years to sustain themselves and their families by producing these beautiful handicrafts.

“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to welcome you here to the traditional Annual Handicraft Bazzar. The handicrafts you will see here and hopefully purchase represent the homeland of these brave women, thus preserving the tradition in the most beautiful way. Our women have proven to be the foundation of our country. They have managed to preserve their families many times during our history, while at the same time struggling for a better future” – pointed out Crown Princess Katherine in her speech.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Vladimi Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to HRH Crown Princess Katherine and her Foundation for organising this event, and to all those who made the effort to make it a success.

The Royal Couple and Mr. Cucic then cut the ribbon and pronounced bazaar open.

Among the attendees at the official opening were representatives of Embassies in Serbia, representatives of the media and a large number of citizens. There were also present H.E. Mr. Clemens Koja, Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Mr. Moustapha Hamdan, Ambassador of Lebanon, Ms. Ann Pesic, honorary consul of Republic of Ireland, Ms. Etsuko Tsunozaki, wife of Japanese Ambassador and president of the International Women’s Club (IWC), envoy of His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Orlando Antonini, and many others.

The Bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 pm until Sunday 12 December.

Please visit: www.pkfond.org