Head of OSCE: Shocked and saddened at death of Macedonian President Trajkovski

WASHINGTON, D.C., 26 February 2004 - The news that President Boris Trajkovski, leader of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia since 1999, has died in a plane crash in Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, during a visit to Washington.

"On behalf of all OSCE participating States, I wish to express our shock at the sudden and untimely death of President Trajkovski. I offer my sincere condolences to his relatives and to all the citizens of this State," Passy said.

"I am profoundly saddened by the fact that this tragic accident has robbed his country of a major figure who had done so much to restore a sense of unity among the different ethnic groups.

"His courage and determination to work with the international community, including the OSCE, in implementing the framework peace agreement reached at Ohrid in August 2001, contributed immeasurably to maintaining stability during a troubled period."

Boris Trajkovski became his country's second president on 15 December 1999 and since taking office had enjoyed a reputation of reaching out to all members of the community. His death occurred earlier today when his plane came down near Stolac on his way to the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to attend an investment conference.