HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS "SHOCKED AND OUTRAGED" OVER KILLING OF SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER

12 March 2003



The following statement was issued today by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello:
"I am shocked and outraged at the brutal killing today of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic at the Serbian Government building in downtown Belgrade. This attack was also an assault on the crucial process of democratic reform in Serbia and Montenegro. I wish to express my deep condolences both to the family of Mr. Djindjic and to the people of Serbia for this horrendous act.
"I recall that Mr. Djindjic had the courage to be one of the first Serbian leaders to visit Kosovo to demonstrate his concern for the situation of all people living there at that traumatic time, as we were establishing the United Nations presence there in July 1999. I was impressed by his personal courage and democratic convictions.
"Today's news reinforces the absolute necessity of ridding Serbia of criminal and destructive influences, and establishing a democratic society fully based on rule of law and respect for human rights. I deeply hope that the authorities and the people of Serbia will stand firm at this wrenching moment, and will re-affirm their commitment to the democratic progress which is so vital for the future of the republic and the entire region".



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