STATEMENTS

THE CHANCELLERY OF
H.R.H. CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II
OF YUGOSLAVIA

THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSЕS VISIT HIS EXCELLENCY
KOFI ANNAN SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Their Royal Highnesses were warmly received by His Excellency Kofi Annan Secretary-General in his office at the United Nations in New York. Their Royal Highnesses and the Secretary General are good friends.

His Royal Highness expressed his deep concern that the people of Serbia are being ransomed for the transfer of a few individuals to The Hague. The Crown Prince pointed out that anyone who allegedly commits crimes against humanity must face justice, but that a whole nation or people cannot suffer isolation because of a few individuals. His Royal Highness mentioned that the critical need for jobs and investment in Yugoslavia had to be addressed so that the people would not suffer further pain and deprivation.

His Royal Highness pointed out that there were no requirements at the recent Tokyo donor’s conference that the Government of Afghanistan hand over any Al Qaeda or Taliban suspects before aid would come. The Crown Prince stated that dual standards were being applied and that was not fair on the people. The Crown Prince concluded that the painful horror was that it was easy to bomb a people at the cost of billions of dollars, but when it came to help a people it was regrettably another matter.

His Royal Highness pointed out the need for further understanding and help for the people of Yugoslavia since democracy had taken firmly hold from the 5 October 2000.

Her Royal Highness discussed the dramatic painful situation and conditions that the refugees are facing and the urgent need for serious assistance. Her Royal Highness mentioned that a tremendous endeavour is required to assist 750.000 refugees or five per cent of the world’s refugees who are living in poor conditions. Crown Princess Katherine also mentioned the need for additional critical assistance for health care and the urgent need to improve conditions and equipment. Her Royal Highnesses mentioned that the doctors and nurses are heroes and working in very poor conditions to help the public.

Their Royal Highnesses expressed the wish that the Secretary General would kindly pay a visit to Yugoslavia. The Secretary General mentioned that President Dr. Vojislav Koštunica and Prime Minister Dr. Zoran Djindjić had kindly invited him and that he would warmly consider it.

New York, April 29, 2002