The rise, then fall, of Belgrade's symbolic balloon

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

BELGRADE (AFP) — A globe-shaped balloon set in central Belgrade to mark the capital's anniversary and its links with Europe was let loose on Tuesday by strong winds and sent flying towards neighbouring Romania, local media reported.

A 10-meter (33-foot) diameter balloon filled with helium, with a map of the Serbian capital painted on the globe with an inscription "Belgrade is the world," made by artist Slavisa Savic, was set last week at the Slavija square in the center of town.

But a storm with strong winds broke ropes that had secured the balloon, radio B92 reported.

It was seen flying towards Serbia's eastern neighbour and European Union member Romania, reaching 2,000-meter heights.

"Since we cannot join the EU yet, at least our balloon can," the...