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British Prince Charles calls for reconciliation in Western Balkans

Xinhua, March 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Painful traces of history between countries of the Western Balkans must be overcome for the sake of future generations, British Prince Charles said in his speech at a reception at the Serbian National Assembly here on Thursday.

Prince Charles of Wales, who is on a two-day visit to Serbia with his wife Duchess Camilla, attended a reception at the Serbian parliament where he met members of the government, parliamentarians, diplomats, as well as influential people from Serbian society.

Here, Prince Charles gave his only speech on his six-day tour of the Western Balkans, stressing that "painful strands of history must be accepted and acknowledged," but also overcome, through dialogue at all levels, as well as through sports, education, and providing assistance to displaced people.

"A page has now turned in the region. After fierce conflicts in the nineties, peace and stability have returned," he said, praising the progress that has been achieved.

"Today I want to salute to all those in this region who had courage to cross the divides between different communities, different faith, and within faith. Such heroic examples are badly needed inspiration to others in this region and the rest of the world," he said, assuring countries of the Balkans that the United Kingdom would be with them as they build their future together.

"Of course no one should forget or ignore history, but even more importantly, it is vital not to become prisoners of history," he said, adding there were not many places burdened with the past like the Western Balkans.

Prince Charles said bearing in mind the senseless cruelty and violence around the world, it was evident that "only reconciliation offers the assurance that our children and grandchildren will not suffer the same agonies as our generation."

The Prince of Wales has visited the Western Balkans eight times, but this is his second visit to Serbia after 38 years and first since the country reclaimed its independence in 2006.

He arrived in Serbia on Wednesday from Croatia, and will go to Montenegro and Kosovo afterwards. Endit