UN human rights chief deplores assassination of Serbian prime minister

Expressing “shock and outrage,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello has added his voice to the condemnation throughout the UN system of the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.

Mr. De Mello stressed “the absolute necessity of ridding Serbia of criminal and destructive influences.”

“This attack was also an assault on the crucial process of democratic reform in Serbia and Montenegro,” he in a statement Wednesday. "I recall that Mr. Djindjic had the courage to be one of the first Serbian leaders to visit Kosovo to demonstrate his concern for the situation of all people living there at that traumatic time, as we were establishing the United Nations presence there in July 1999. I was impressed by his personal courage and democratic convictions.

“I deeply hope that the authorities and the people of Serbia will stand firm at this wrenching moment, and will re-affirm their commitment to the democratic progress which is so vital for the future of the republic and the entire region.”