HUMANITARIAN BAZAAR AT THE HYATT REGENCY BELGRADE OPENS

Belgrade, 1 November 2003 – HRH Crown Princess Katherine opened the traditional humanitarian Bazaar at the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel today.

The handcrafts of women refugees and internally displaced persons from Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo who were gathered by the Japanese NGO “JEN” were displayed at the Bazaar. These works present in the best possible way all the folklore and beauty of the regions they come from.

The Foundation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine supports the work of these extraordinary women who support their families by selling their handcrafts in materials, machines and organization of this Bazaar.

This year Bazaar was attended by the women ambassadors and ambassadors’ wives from many countries, representative of the media and Dr Elaine Laycock from London, who has helped the work of the Foundation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine by rallying humanitarian aid.

At the opening, the gathered were addressed by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II who expressed his pleasure for attending the Bazaar. The Crown Prince emphasized this manifestation was also a chance for the public and the quests of Serbia to learn about our folklore.

Then the present were addressed by Princess Katherine who thanked to the host, Hyatt Hotel, and everybody who came to support this event.

“At the moment when you were left alone far away from your homes, you had the strength to go on with your lives here by applying your skills in making these handcrafts.

My husband Crown Prince Alexander and myself will go on helping you as much as possible and continue the tradition of the Bazaar” – pointed our Princess Katherine.

The entrance is free for all visitors and the Bazaar will be open until Sunday, 2 November.