His Holiness
Archbishop of Pec and
Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci 
Serbian Patriarch Pavle
The Patriarchate
Kralja Petra I br. 5
11000 Beograd
                           
 

Your Holiness,
 

It was with much pleasure that I read the statement by the Holy Bishops
Synod regarding the demand that Mr Milosevic resign in the interests of
the people.  I warmly congratulate you and the bishops on this correct
demand and position.

At this time I am deeply concerned at the exodus of the Serbs from Kosovo
and Metohija and hope that KFOR will reinforce its stated objective to
protect all citizens regardless of religion or ethnic origin and to secure
the protection of the Serbian monasteries and all holy shrines that including
Muslim and Roman Catholic places of worship.  It would be a tragedy
if the Serbs were to abandon the homes in which they lived for centuries,
it is important that the Serbian priests and monks will stay with their
congregations. Our people need them today more than ever before.  
Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren sets in this an excellent example
to all.   

On my part I continue as always to demand that the West recognize the
rights of Serbs equally as those of the Albanians and all citizens. 
Both the Serbs and the Albanians are experiencing a tragedy and for the
sake of humanity both must be helped. The destruction of homes is horrendous
and the suffering of the Albanian citizens and now the Serbian citizens
is of profound concern.  So death and pain has been afflicted on all
citizens over so many years and now we must make a big effort to rebuild
people’s lives and create a future for all. It will be painful and hard,
but we can do it minus the negative elements of all sides.

Pointing out again my view that the Holy Synod is absolutely right in
pronouncing the fact that it is in the interest of the people that Mr Milosevic
and his regime should resign to make way for a government of national salvation. 
As you are aware, I have advocated that view for years.  I have said
that there will be no peace in our region until Serbia is at peace with
itself having thrown away the dictatorship and finally got on with the
urgently needed democratic reforms for once and all. The internal problems
are enormous, the country has been destroyed and people traumatised.  
As regards external relations, the country has been totally isolated and
expelled from the international community.   The Serbian people
do not deserve this and there is no hope that things will improve as long
as the present regime is in power.  The formation of a government
of national salvation with a designated mandate is the only way forward. 
It will have my full support.  We cannot afford to lose time since
the preservation of Montenegro and Serbia in Yugoslavia and the prevention
any further catastrophes such as Vojvodina or Sandjak is of the utmost
importance to all citizens.  

Your Holiness, would you please remember as always in your prayers all
those who have lost their lives, loved ones and suffered dreadfully regardless
of religion or ethnic origin. I wish you good health and to continue to
be the wise shepherd of the Serbian Orthodox Church for many years to come.

Please accept expressions of my deep respect.

Yours,
Alexander

London, 17 June 1999

 

1997 HRHCP Aleksandar II
All Rights Reserved