OSCE Chairman-in-Office shocked by assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Djindjic

THE HAGUE, 12 March 2003 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Netherlands Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has learned with shock and great sadness of the assassination today of the Serbian Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic.

According to information currently available, Prime Minister Djindjic was shot in front of a public building in Belgrade and died later of his wounds.

"I consider this murder an unacceptable attack on the process of democratization and the rule of law in the country", said Minister de Hoop Scheffer, adding that he hopes that those guilty will be brought to justice soon.

"I expect that the progress made in recent years in moving the country closer to European and international organizations in the field of security and human rights will not be derailed by this cowardly act of violence", said the Chairman-in-Office, stating the readiness of the OSCE to help the country in this respect.

Minister de Hoop Scheffer offers his sincerest condolences to the family of Prime Minister Djindjic.