HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE
JULIAN CALENDAR

Belgrade, 6 January 2010 – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II extended his Christmas and New Year’s message to the citizens of Serbia who celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar.

Dear Citizens of Serbia,

2009 was a difficult year for Serbia, as it was for the much of the world, but at the same time a year with very important achievements thanks to the hard work of government. The European Union within the Schengen area abolished visas for our citizens, this is a very positive development and it will for sure have an extremely positive impact on all our citizens. Serbia has officially applied for candidate status in the European Union, and I hope that this process will continue and accelerate in 2010. At the same time, Serbia is continuing to develop its traditionally good relations with Russia and China.

I am very proud that our Serbian athletes achieved several world-class results in 2009. Our water polo national team won the world championships title, our swimmers Nadja Higl and Milorad Cavic won gold and silver medals at the world swimming championships in the summer, our national basketball team won a silver medal at the European championships, our national football team qualified for the world cup 2010 in South Africa, our tennis players Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic are again among the best two or three players in the world, our under 18 national basketball team won the European championships, our Paralympics athletes Drazenko Mitrovic, Jovica Brkic and Zeljko Celikovic won 4 medals at World Championships for people with disabilities in India. These results and achievements show that Serbia is a country of many talents and great potential.

We should all unite to build a stable and prosperous society, for the benefit of our country, our families and all citizens of Serbia regardless of religion or ethnic origin.

My family joins me in wishing all citizens of Serbia a good and prosperous New Year for 2010.

Merry Christmas!

Christ is born!