FORMAL RECEPTION FOR “KOLUBARA” MINERS AT THE WHITE PALACE IN DEDINJE

Belgrade, 13 November 2002 – TRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a formal reception for the representatives of “Kolubara Mining” at the White Palace in Dedinje last night.

The reception was attended by about 150 employees headed by the general manager Mr. Slobodan Djeric, and the local government officials from Lazarevac, where the mines are located. Serbian Minister of Ecology Mrs. Andjelka Mihajlov was among the invitees.

Welcoming the guests, the Crown Prince emphasized the miners were the ones who greatly contributed to democratic changes in Serbia in 2000 with their courage and perseverance, and through their struggle for democratic Serbia enabled the return of the Royal Family to the Fatherland.

“You should know that you will always and everywhere have the support and understanding from the Crown for your efforts and struggle for developed economy, better work conditions, quality social programs and European standard of living”, said the Crown Prince.

Mr. Slobodan Djeric thanked on behalf of “Kolubara” workers for the warm reception and given support.

“We are honored by the care of Crown Prince Aleksandar II and Crown Prince Katherine. This is the first time since the mines were established that a reception was organized for the miners of “Kolubara”, he pointed out.

“Kolubara Mining” is in the territory of municipalities of Lazarevac, Lajkovac and Ub, and it employs sixteen thousand people and produces twenty six million tons of coal per year. Eighty three percent of total electric power is produced in these mines, and every other light bulb in Serbia is powered by “Kolubara”.