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Kosovska Mitrovica, KOSOVO, 16 February 2008
Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended today a public prayer for the survival and well being of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, and for Kosovo and Metohija to remain in Serbia. His Grace Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren led the prayers in Saint Dmitri Church in Kosovska Mitrovica.
Their Royal Highnesses strongly condemn violence against the Serbian people.
In this crucial historic moment when an enormous injustice is being undertaken against the Serbian people, and part of its territory is being taken away, it is our duty to stand together, all of us, regardless of all differences, and to show unity and responsibility towards the most important root of our identity. This is a chance for all of us to pray together for the salvation and survival of our country and all our Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija who safeguard this place that represents a Jerusalem for the Serbian people, it is the heart and soul of our people.
Apart from Bishop Artemije, the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija were addressed by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II. In his speech, he said:
"Today we are here with you to once again to show that you are not alone and to support you in your intention not give up on your homes, your livelihood, your roots and your land.
"Kosovo and Metohija was under the Ottoman Turkish occupation for several centuries, and it was liberated by my ancestors King Peter I and King Alexander I. For that, we are eternally grateful.
"Today problems are no longer settled by wars, but by negotiations.
"The time has come once again when I call upon you to hold on to what is Serbian. We are in Europe and we have always been in Europe. Not because someone accepted us or invited us there, but because that is what we are, which we have proven many times in all aspects of life.
"Peace, determination, decisiveness, faith, and goodwill – these are our only “weapons“. And, of course, law and justice, which are on our side. I appeal for the respect of human rights.
"Once again, I repeat my appeal for unity, for wisdom, for the unity of all politicians leading Serbia at this grave hour, so that we can live up to our ancestors who created this country with great effort, and our successors, to whom we must leave this country in legacy," concluded the Crown Prince.
Their Royal Highnesses then visited the Banjska monastery, built in the 14th century, where they also conveyed their message of solidarity with the Serbian people. They were greeted by His Grace Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren and the brotherhood of the monastery, headed by protosyngellos Simeon, the heugomenos of the monastery. Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine were deeply touched by the reception they have received and the decisiveness of these brave people to stay on their land and survive.