Videotape Tribute to Two Fallen Leaders - Prime Minister of Serbia Zoran Djindjic and President of Macedonia Boris TrajkovskiSecretary Colin L. PowellWashington, DC March 12, 2004 SECRETARY POWELL: I'm pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the memories of two fallen leaders of an emerging Europe: the late Prime Minister of Serbia, Zoran Djindjic, and the late President of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski.
March 12th marked the first anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Djindjic. It was a day that all friends of Serbia, and all friends of peace, will never forget. The Prime Minister made immense contributions as a political leader and as a statesman. He played a pivotal role in events that would forever change the course of Serbian history. To his last day, he was guided by the vision of a democratic Serbia as an integral member of the transatlantic family of nations. On behalf of the government and people of the United States, I extend my condolences to Prime Minister Djindjic's wife and to his family and to the Serbian people. President Trajkovski was a tireless advocate of tolerance and the champion of all citizens of Macedonia. His wisdom and compassion as a leader brought Macedonia out of crisis to recovery. He will be greatly missed, but he leaves behind a stronger Macedonia. He will live on in his policies of peace and reconciliation and through the momentum he imparted to Macedonia's integration into the life of our Euro-Atlantic community. I send my sympathy to President Trajkovski's wife and family and to the people of Macedonia on their deep loss. Zoran and Boris were both friends of mine. They both showed their beloved countries the path to a brighter future. May their memories continue to light the way for all of us. # # # 2004/257
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