UNION REPRESENTATIVES AT RECEPTION AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 12 November 2002 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II, and Crown Princess Katherine organized a formal reception for the representatives of Trade Unions of Serbia at the White Palace in Dedinje last night.

The reception was attended by about three hundred representatives of the three biggest Unions: Association of Free and Independent Unions, Federation of Autonomous Unions of Serbia and United Unions “Independence”.

Serbian Minister of Construction and Urban Planning Mr. Dragoslav Sumarac was among the invitees.

Welcoming the guests, Crown Prince Alexander II, said that a state based on law and democracy can’t be imagined without trade unions, for their essence was always to represent the interests of their members, and not of the government.

“You should know that you will always and everywhere have the support and understanding of the Crown in your efforts and struggle for a developed economy, full employment, European standard of living, quality social programs and trade union freedoms and rights”, said the Crown Prince.

On behalf of the invitees, Their Royal Highnesses were addressed by the Chairperson of the Association of Free and Independent Unions Mrs. Ranka Savic, chairperson of the Federation of Autonomous Unions of Serbia Mr. Milenko Smiljanic and vice chairperson of the United Unions “Independence”, Mr. Zoran Stojanovic.

They thanked for the support, pointing out that the return of the Royal Family in the Fatherland and gathering of all unions at the White Palace is the sign that we now live in new democratic society, and they expressed their hope that now the trade unions will take the place, role and importance that belong to them.