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Powell "Shocked, Saddened" by Assassination of Serbian Prime Minister

(Says he is confident Serbian leaders will continue Djindjic's "vital
work") (330)
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed shock and sadness at
the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic in Belgrade
March 12, citing Djindjic's "fearless leadership" in bringing
democracy to Serbia and pledging U.S. support for the continuation of
his "vital work" on political and economic reforms and on combating
corruption.
Powell also offered the "deepest condolences" of the United States.
Following is his statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
March 12, 2003 
statement by secretary of state colin l. powell
Assassination of Serbian Prime Minister
I was shocked and saddened by the assassination of Prime Minister
Zoran Djindjic of Serbia, who died earlier today after being shot in
Belgrade. I want to extend the deepest condolences of the United
States to his family, his friends, and to the government and people of
Serbia.
Prime Minister Djindjic's fearless leadership was instrumental in
ending the terrible and despotic regime of Slobodan Milosevic and
peacefully restoring democratic rule. I met with him many times and
came to know him and admire his courage and wisdom. His courageous
decision to transfer Milosevic to The Hague to stand trial for his
alleged war crimes played a crucial role in helping Serbia come to
terms with and move beyond its recent past. He promoted the economic
and political reforms necessary for Serbia's integration into Europe
and spoke out against extremism in all forms. He courageously
initiated a public campaign to combat organized crime, which threatens
every institution in Serbian society. I count myself as privileged to
know him as a friend and as Prime Minister. All of us will miss him.
We are confident that Serbia's political leaders will continue Prime
Minister Djindjic's vital work. The United States remains committed to
helping Serbia undertake the economic and democratic reforms that will
lead it toward a brighter and more prosperous future within Europe.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)