The Public Relations Office
of HRH Crown Prince Alexander

10th ANNIVERSARY OF 5TH OCTOBER CHANGES
Belgrade, 4 October 2010 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander has
issued a statement on the 10th anniversary of the 5th October 2000 revolutionary
events in Serbia. It reads as follows:
“We are marking the 10th anniversary of the 5tth of October
revolutionary changes in Serbia. During the past ten years we have witnessed
momentous developments in our country, both positive and negative.
The crowning achievement of the 5th of October was Serbia’s
definitive break with one party rule and a shift towards democratic practices at
all levels of public life. We have had four democratic governments which have
tried to change the country for the better with varying degrees of success. A
new constitution and numerous new laws have been introduced. Political life has
moved from the streets to Parliament and it is perhaps worth recalling here that
the construction of the parliament building started in 1907 during the reign of
my great grandfather King Peter I.
Visas for the European Union Shengen countries have been
abolished. Serbia will acquire the status of an EU candidate next year.
Relationships with the neighbouring countries are being normalised and trade is
growing. The consolidation of links with countries of the South East European
region has been achieved through the CEFTA Treaty with Serbia occupying her
rightful place. My grandfather King Alexander I was a strong advocate of
Serbia’s active role in such regional cooperation. Many other things have
improved: industrial production and exports, direct foreign investments and
worldwide contacts, social care and new jobs.
On the negative side: a Prime Minister has been assassinated,
the rule of law has not been fully re-established, the fight against corruption
and organised crime is not yet finished, Serbia has still not regained her
rightful place in Europe and the world, the state union with Montenegro has
ceased to exist, Kosovo has declared unilateral independence, relations with the
Serbian Diaspora are not strong enough and not enough is being done to foster
the sense of national identity and togetherness of Serbs in Serbia with their
brethren outside her borders.
However, much has been achieved and we must be forward
looking. Serbia’s future lies both in Europe and in the Balkans. It is the duty
of us all to turn Serbia into a modern democratic European state with the rule
of law and strict observance of human rights. While remaining true to our old
traditions and spiritual values, we must embrace modern methods of governing the
state and running an economy. We must also encourage the further development of
Serbian culture and creativity with special attention paid to our young people.
We owe this to our children and grandchildren. This is the legacy of the date we
celebrate today.
The Karageorgevitch Royal House, whose fate is inextricably
linked with that of the Serbian nation, is ready to make its contribution to the
rebirth of Serbia as a modern and prosperous European state which will enable
all citizens to achieve a decent standard of living and a safe future.”

 

 

 
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