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THE CHANCELLERY OF
H.R.H. CROWN PRINCE Alexander II
OF YUGOSLAVIA

June 18, 2004

RECEPTION IN HONOR OF THE “LE CERCLE” CONFERENCE

Belgrade, 18 June 2004 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II hosted formal reception at The Royal Palace and dinner at The White Palace in honor of the “Le Cercle” conference taking place in Belgrade from 17th to 19th June.

Le Cercle is a foreign affairs group of which Lord Lamont, former Finance Minister of the UK is chairman. Le Cercle was founded in the 1950's by the former French Prime Minister Antoine Pinay, and Konrad Adenauer the former German Chancellor. The group is largely European and American –Members of Parliament, diplomats, members of the intelligence community, commentators, lawyers and businessmen from over twenty-five countries. It meets twice a year, once in Washington DC, and once at an overseas location to review topics of interest, mostly foreign policy. The meetings of Le Cercle are never publicised and everything that is said is off the record. The group is a serious minded one that seeks in depth analysis and discussion.

The reception was attended by the representatives of the diplomatic corps and the members of the advisory bodies of the Crown.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, the Crown Prince thanked them for coming to Serbia and introduced them to the historical and cultural importance of The Royal Compound in Dedinje.

Lord Lamont, chairman of Le Cercle, thanked The Crown Prince on behalf of the guests for his hospitality and warm welcome, and then introduced Lord Howell who delivered short speech.