Exiled Crown Prince rallies support in Serbia

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia -- The exiled Crown Prince of Yugoslavia has launched a tour of the land of his ancestors to meet monarchists, pro-democracy politicians and church dignitaries.

Crown Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic is touring major cities in central Serbia on Monday in his most extensive tour to date, after meeting his homeland's new president, Vojislav Kostunica, and also the head of the Serb Orthodox Church, Patriarch Pavle, a day earlier.

He was greeted by around 250 supporters chanting "Long Live the King" when he arrived in Belgrade on Sunday.

Asked if he will try to reclaim the throne, Karadjordjevic said only: "What I suggest is that we go on with democracy."

The heir to the defunct throne has lived in exile because his father, King Peter II, the last ruling monarch, fled the country in 1941.

Serbia is the larger of Yugoslavia's two remaining republics and the ancestral land of the Karadjordjevic dynasty.

The prince, who lives in London, warned that former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, who now lives under virtual house arrest after recent street riots swept him from power, may not be totally defeated.

"Reactionary forces are still giving resistance, but not for long," Karadjordjevic said.

Founded originally as a monarchy, Yugoslavia became a communist-run federation after World War II. Members of the dynasty were banned from returning and their property was confiscated.

Karadjordjevic was first allowed to return in 1992, but only briefly, and he soon began to openly criticize Milosevic for destructive policies.

When the 18 opposition parties joined forces earlier this year to oust Milosevic, Karadjordjevic openly endorsed them and their presidential candidate, Vojislav Kostunica.

With their victory, he again praised them for "leading the country to true democracy."

"Today, the important thing to do is to bring aid to the people and that the EU nations as well as the United States keep their word and help," he said.

There have been no reliable opinion polls recently on whether the monarchy should be restored. But polls in the mid-1990s showed a solid one-third support for the idea and more than two-thirds overall saying they would not object if it would bring stability.

In neighboring Bulgaria and Romania, monarchies were also abolished after World War II, but have not been restored despite the collapse of communism.

"I lived for this day. Thank God that he is here again," said florist Leposava Mihajlovic, 62, who was among those who turned up to greet the prince. "There should be a plebiscite so people can decide on possible restoration," she added.

Kostunica also has suggested the issue could be decided by the people but has placed priority to economic recovery after decades of communist rule followed by the Milosevic years, which led to widespread poverty.

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Yugoslav Royal Family

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