Statement on the assassination of the Prime Minister of Serbia, Mr Zoran Djindjic
I learned with shock of the assassination in Belgrade this afternoon of Zoran Djindjic, the Prime Minister of Serbia. On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I extend condolences to his family, to his colleagues in Government and to the people of Serbia.
Zoran Djindjic was a courageous political leader, who made an immense contribution to reform and democracy in Serbia in recent years. He was a key figure in the opposition to the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. As Prime Minister since January 2001, he was working to establish Serbia firmly as a democratic society at peace with its neighbours and reintegrated into European structures. He played a central role in the establishment last month of the new state union of Serbia and Montenegro.
I hope that this terrible act will reinforce the determination of democratic leaders in Serbia and Montenegro to press ahead with the reform process and to reassert the primacy of politics, non-violence and respect for human rights. Ireland remains committed to playing its part in supporting the reform process and working for a better future for the people of Serbia and Montenegro and the wider region, based on a closer relationship with the European Union.
Ends