[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF ZORAN DJINDJIC

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, we learned today of the 
assassination in Belgrade of the Prime Minister of Serbia, Zoran 
Djindjic.
  This is a true tragedy, not only for family and friends of Mr. 
Djindjic but for all the people of Serbia and, indeed, for all who 
struggle for human rights and democratic development.
  Zoran Djindjic became a leader during difficult times in his country. 
He chose to stand in opposition to Slobodan Milosevic and his regime. 
That certainly was not the easiest course, and it took courage. Zoran 
Djindjic also had determination and, after repeated setbacks and 
obstacles, he played a key role in ousting Milosevic from power in 
2000. He subsequently became, as Prime Minister of Serbia, a force for 
reform, recognizing that Serbia needed to cast off not only the yoke of 
Milosevic's rule but also Milosevic's legacy of nationalist hatred, 
organized crime, corruption and greed. Transferring Milosevic to The 
Hague in 2001 to face charges for war crimes, crimes against humanity 
and genocide perhaps best symbolized Djlndjic's continued courage and 
determination to conquer the sinister forces which seized his country.
  Zoran Djindjic was still battling resistance to reform in Serbia when 
his life was taken by the vicious act of cold-blooded assassins.
  These will undoubtedly be turbulent times for Belgrade, for Serbia, 
and for Montenegro which is just embarking on a new relationship with 
Serbia. This tragedy may have reverberations throughout the region, 
particularly in Bosnia and in Kosovo.
  It is my hope and prayer, Mr. Speaker, that the people of Serbia will 
respond to this crime with a loud and united cry: ``Enough is enough.'' 
In the past, they have seen the lives of journalist Slavko Curuvija and 
politician Ivan Stambolic snuffed out for their advocacy of a civilized 
Serbia, in which human rights and the rule of law are respected.
  Similarly Djindjic, too, was advocating such noble objectives. The 
very decent people of Serbia deserve a society which respects human 
rights and upholds the rule of law. That is what the leaders of Serbia 
must now provide without further hesitation or delay. I take heart in 
knowing that Djindjic had many colleagues who shared his vision of a 
reformed Serbia.
  My deepest condolences go to the family of Zoran Djindjic. I hope 
that the incredible grief they must now feel will be tempered by the 
pride they should feel in his accomplishments and service to his 
country.

                          ____________________