28 January 2013
“Danas” DAILY
By Jelena Tasic
HRH Crown Prince Alexander about the restitution of the
Monarchy and his relationship with parties in power and opposition parties
The “return” of members of Karageorgevitch Family must not
be a compensation
The coordinated activities of officials, Church and the
Royal House are perfectly natural and most welcome, and I commend that
- The return of the remains my father King Peter is without
any doubt a big step towards national and historical reconciliation. However,
regarding the restitution of the monarchy, it (re)opens the issue in public by
default. Nothing happens by default, life taught me this lesson. Everything,
especially important issues, needs a lot of background work. King Peter's
homecoming is one of the things that also didn't happen by default, but it
happened thanks a lot of background work and planning, says for “Danas” Crown
Prince Alexander.
In Your opinion is
there an interest in the political circles and among people of Serbia becoming
the parliamentary monarchy, on which values and advantages You are constantly
reminding us of?
- Political circles
are always preoccupied with their own political issues, and we never lack of
them. On the other hand, people are preoccupied with their own every day
struggle for survival. I do not blame any of those two groups, but I am here to
remind constantly, that we have some positive solutions.
Please share your
thoughts with us regarding the fact that ex-communists and radicals are
bringing back the Royal Family members remains in the country, while the
problem was not solved during governments that came from DOS that you have
helped be created, even though declared monarchists were part of them?
- As far as people
are driven by prejudices, they have limited minds, however they call
themselves. It is not enough to call yourself a democrat to be one. Also, on
the other hand, it is not a shortfall if your name is or was something else, as
far you are doing well and right. Deeds speak much louder than words.
Many are seeing the
return of remains the late King , Your father as coming together of Church,
State and Dynasty on a joint historical assignment. Opposition including SPO
that held in its program reinstating monarchy has stayed silent, except for
Professor Antic’s remarks on possibilities for the restitution of the Monarchy.
How do you comment on that ?
- The joint
efforts of parties in power, the Church and the Royal House are perfectly
natural and most welcome, not only in this particular case, but in all other
important issues. My good will is well known, I am here and my doors are
open.Professor Antic's contribution in the state board and in bringing back
Prince Paul last October and my father King Peter II last week was tremendous.
I do not intend to interpret his words, but he is a good example of a person
who is at the same time loyal to the President and willing to help to repair
historical injustices towards the Royal Family. He shows by personal exmple
that one thing does not exclude the other.
How much these kind
of occassions are helping current authorities to improve the image and the
international status of the country ?
- The more positive messages we send from Serbia to the
world, the better. We must use and grab every opportunity. We have to create
the opportunities, in the modern world we have to take destiny in our hands and
be proactive. The public image of countries, nations, is not solely about the
real content. In the modern world, it is pretty much about the image you create
and ability to "sell it" to others. Unfortunately, due to the series
of tragic circumstances and events, we still struggle with our own image. On
the other hand, I am absolutely certain that the Royal tradition comes
naturally to Serbia and is constantly helping to improve its image within the
international community.
Can the return of
members of the Royal Family and state funeral in Oplenac be a distraction from
the “painful compromises” that authorities are making regarding Kosovo and Metohija?
- The State funeral is an important event for itself, and
could not be a compensation for something else. We do not have to excuse
ourselves to anybody for commemorating and respecting our own history. On the
other hand, such event could not be an excuse for ourselves not to do some
important and difficult things.
The long-term
strategy is needed for Kosovo
Why haven’t you
publicly stated anything on Kosovo solutions, that is not only the political
but national and state issue of outmost importance, and now becomes a
territorial integrity issue of Serbia?
- It is very
important for all of us to understand that sometimes there are some issues,
problems, and that their solutions take much longer than one or two political
terms (in-between elections), or even longer than a human life. The Kosovo
issue seems to be like that. Therefore, it is very important to have a national
strategy, plan, consensus upon which the opinion of all leaders will agree (not
only politicians, but also SANU, SPC….). The difference between politicians on
one side, and monarchy and church on other is the perception of time. For the
last two there is always life after elections, and accordingly all the issues
are observed, perceived and treated. The fact that King Peter I is known as the
liberator of Kosovo in 1912/13 is just the final result of the efforts that
started in 1804, with the continuation of more than 100 years regardless of the
Serbian dynasties that were in power during that time. There was a national
strategy, very clear, and finally the goal was achieved. History teaches us constantly,
we only tend to forget. Therefore politicians should have a plan which will
continue even if some other party comes to power in the next round. Louis XIV
said on his deathbed: "I am leaving now, but the state will remain
eternally".
