[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     JUSTICE NEEDED FOR THE MURDER OF PRIME MINISTER ZORAN DJINDIC

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, this morning's news of the 
assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindic is deeply 
saddening.
  Prime Minister Djindic was a man of courage and determination--
whether tackling economic and political reforms or securing the 
extradition of war criminal Slobodan Milosevic to The Hague. He 
understood and accepted the risks of leadership in a transitional 
Serbia, and bravely served his compatriots.
  Prime Minister Djindic rightly believed that Serbia's future rests 
with the rule of law, free markets, and a democratic political system. 
Threats against his life--including an assassination attempt only last 
month--underscored that his reform agenda directly challenging 
entrenched segments of Serbian society, including organized crime and 
the cronies of Slobodan Milosevic who continue to serve in the 
government and military.
  Prime Minister Djindic scoffed at the notion that his untimely demise 
would derail Serbia's reform efforts. After last month's incident, he 
said, ``If someone thinks the law and reforms can be stopped by 
eliminating me, then that is a huge delusion.''
  Those who share the Prime Minister's vision of peace and prosperity 
for Serbia cannot--and must not--give up their struggle. There is no 
better way to honor Zoran Djindic than to redouble efforts to implement 
reforms and to strengthen the rule of law.
  During this uncertain time, the champions of reform and democracy in 
Serbia should know that the U.S. Congress continues to stand by their 
side; crime bosses and war criminals should know that the United States 
is committed to aiding reformers in their defeat.
  We will continue to closely follow developments in Serbia and 
throughout the region--and will remain vigilant in demanding justice 
for the murder of Zoran Djindic.

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