    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 12, 2003]
    [Pages 260-261]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran
    Djindjic
    March 12, 2003

        On behalf of the United States, I extend my condolences to the
    people of Serbia and to the family of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran
    Djindjic, who was shot and killed this morning.
        History will remember Prime Minister Djindjic for his strong
    leadership during Serbia's successful struggle to end the dictatorship
    of Slobodan Milosevic. Following the
    peaceful transition to a new, democratic Government, Djindjic acted with
    strength

    [[Page 261]]

    and courage to transfer Milosevic to The Hague, where today he stands on
    trial for war crimes. At the helm of the new Government, Prime Minister
    Djindjic was committed to building a prosperous, democratic future for
    Serbia, and he fought to hasten that future's arrival by fighting
    organized crime and reforming Serbia's economy and political
    institutions.
        The United States will continue to support Serbia's pursuit of
    reforms that will open the way to a brighter future and full integration
    with Europe.