TRH CROWN PRINCE ALEKSANDAR II AND CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE VISIT NOVI PAZAR

Visit to Mechihat of the Islamic Community together with Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren

Belgrade, 26 October 2002 – After visiting Monastery of Djurdjevi Stupovi and Petar’s Church, Their Royal Highnesses and Bishop Artemije went to Novi Pazar Town Hall and the Mechihat of the Islamic Community of Sanjak.

In a conversation with the representatives of local authorities, the Crown Prince and his wife expressed their interest in social and economic situation in this municipality, and other current issues. The Crown Prince expressed his great pleasure for the good ethnic and religious relationships in this town where Orthodox and Moslem people live together, and pointed out that Novi Pazar is an example to everyone.

Their Royal Highnesses together with Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren visited Mufti of Sanjak, Muamer Zukorlic, at the Mechihat of the Islamic Community of Sanjak.

Crown Prince Aleksandar II, Bishop Artemije and Mufti of Sanjak Muamer Zukorlic expressed shared opinion on respect of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious origin, respect of religious freedom, human rights and democratic principles.

“Their Royal Highness’ and Bishop Artemije’s presence at the Mechihat of the Islamic Community is what shoul be an everyday message to all who live here, whether they are Bosniacs, Moslems, Orthodox Serbs or members of any other ethnic or cultural community.

We have had cordial talks and I believe this is the beginning of a new stage that should confirm our efforts for Sanjak to be unity of differences”, said Mufti Zukorlic.

Bishop Artemije first expressed his pleasure for the opportunity to welcome HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II in Old Ras, the land where Serbian state had been born, and to greet him in the Monastery of Djurdjevi Stupovi, as well as for the visit to Petar’s Church and the Mechihat.

“This region is multi-ethnic and it should remain so, everyone should stay in their own home and be free in expressing their feelings, thoughts and religion.

There is no need to create tension, but there is to try to build the better future for our country together.

Presence of His Royal Highness is a warrant of stability and multiethnicity of this region, for we hope that the Crown Prince will soon be the King of this country”, said Bishop Artemije.

“Our future is in continuity with our past, our tradition and our history”, were the words of Bishop Artemije.

Crown Prince Aleksandar II expressed the great pleasure for having the chance to visit the Mechihat of the Islamic Community together with his wife and Bishop Artemije.

“I am a democrat and I respect all people whether they are Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Moslem or without religious denomination. There is no place for the extremism here, nor for the people who are intolerant of the others.

We are a great country and we shall a better future only if we respect each other and work together”, said Crown PrinceAleksandar II.