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PM statement on assassination of Serbian PM
[12 March 2003]

Prime Minister Tony Blair has expressed his shock and sadness at the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Read the statement in full below.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news today of the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. My thoughts are now with Prime Minister Djindjic’s family and the people of Serbia.

“Zoran Djindjic was a leading supporter of democracy and reform in Serbia. He worked hard during the previous decade to ensure that Serbia was liberated from Milosevic and those who opposed democracy and the rule of law. I met him in 2002 and was impressed by the energy he devoted to reforming Serbia and improving life for all her citizens. His murder is a loss to all those, from whatever political party, who have made strenuous efforts to deliver a better future for Serbia.

“Those responsible for this cowardly act must not be allowed to derail Serbia’s progress towards European integration. The UK stands firmly with our friends in Belgrade in their determination to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.”