Martial law in wake of Djindjic assassination

BELGRADE, Wednesday (B92) – Acting Serbian President Natasa Micic late on Wednesday proclaimed a state of emergency in Serbia after the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Djindjic was gunned down outside the Serbian Government building at 12.30 this afternoon, sustaining wounds to the heart and chest.
Surgical and resuscitation teams at the Belgrade Emergency Centre failed to revive him and he was pronounced dead just 65 minutes later.
Senior police officer Sreten Lukic told B92 that the prime minister’s bodyguards did not return the fire and that police arrived on the scene within minutes.
The shots were fired by a sniper positioned on the roof of a building across the street which is in the process of renovation.
Three suspects have been detained in connection with the assassination.

Capital brought to a standstill
An emergency meeting of the cabinet resolved that Micic should declare a state of emergency.
Belgrade traffic came to a standstill after the shooting, with police stopping and searching cars throughout the central city and on bridges across the Danube and Sava rivers.
They appeared to be concentrating on luxury vehicles.
Belgrade airport was also closed for departures for several hours and security provisions at the airport stepped up.
Passengers leaving on intercity bus lines were also subjected to police searches.
At the inner city headquarters of Djindjic’s Democratic Party, the party’s blue and yellow flags were lowered to half mast, as was the Serbian flag atop the building.
Belgraders flooded into the city early this evening to pay silent tribute to the murdered prime minister, leaving flowers and lighted candles near the spot where he was assassinated.
The government has announced three days of mourning, beginning tomorrow.
The first effects of the state of emergency were felt by media this evening when Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic summoned the heads of broadcast and publishing organizations to a meeting.
They were ordered to only publish information from official government sources.

Imprisoned by Tito
Djindjic was born in Bosnia on August 1, 1952 in the town of Bosanski Samac.
He graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade in 1974.
He was jailed by communist leader Josip “Tito” Broz in 1974 for attempting to organize an independent student union.
On his release he went to West Germany where he worked at a number of universities and social science institutes in Konstanz, Bonn and Frankfurt, where he completed a Ph.D in philosophy.
He was one of the founders of the Democratic Party and in 1990 was elected president of the party’s executive. In 1994 he became president of the party.
During this period he was a senior consultant in the Centre for Philosophy and Social Theory in Belgrade and also taught at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad.
Djindjic as a member of the Serbian Parliament and the upper house of the Federal Parliament from the beginning of multi-party politics in Yugoslavia.

Leading the opposition to Milosevic
After heading, together with the leaders of the Serbian Renewal Movement and the Civil Alliance of Serbia, three months of demonstrations in Belgrade in the winter of 1996-97 which resulted in the overturn of fraudulent local election results, he was elected mayor of Belgrade in February, 1997.
He was dumped from the job little more than six months later when the Serbian Renewal Movement, with whom Djindjic’s Democratic Party was in coalition, joined the Socialist Party and the Serbian Radical Party to vote against him.
He was given a four month suspended prison service after a legal dispute with then Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Marjanovic in 1996. The Serbian Supreme Court later extended the sentence to seven months, suspended for three years.
In June, 2000, Djindjic undertook the campaign leadership for the DOS coalition, bringing about a win for the coalition’s presidential candidate, Vojislav Kostunica.
In the same elections, he again won a seat in the Federal Parliament’s Chamber of the Republics.

“Politician for the third millennium”
Djindjic was elected Serbian prime minister on January 25, 2001, after the DOS coalition victory in Serbian parliamentary elections in December, 2000.
US news magazine Time, in September 1999, included Djindjic among fourteen leading European politicians for the Third Millennium.
He was also a winner of the German Bambi Award in 2000, and in 2002 won a Polak Foundation award for his contribution to the development of democracy in Serbia.
He is the author of a number of books including “Subjectivity and Violence” and “Yugoslavia as an Unfinished State” and edited a philosophy journal.
He is survived by his wife Ruzica, daughter Jovana and son Luka.

Government points finger at Zemun mafia

“Warrants before the day is done”
BELGRADE, Wednesday (Beta/FoNet) – The Serbian government tonight accused a group of criminals known as the Zemun mafia of the murder of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and a raft of other high profile crimes.
These include the abductions and attempted murders of a variety of celebrities and public figures.
“A warrant will be issued before the day is out for the arrest of the largest organized group on the territory of the former Yugoslavia,” said the government in a statement.
The government claims that the group consists of about two hundred criminals.
Names mentioned in the statement include Milorad “Legija” Lukovic, Dusan “Siptar” Spasojevic, Mile “The Godfather” Lukovic and Dejan “Buggsy” Milenkovic.
Milenkovic was the driver of a truck which careered across a highway in New Belgrade last month into the path of a convoy carrying Djindjic to the airport. The incident was believed to be an assassination attempt.
The government claims that, by murdering Djindjic, “this criminal clan has attempted to create its natural environment of chaos, anarchy and fear in the country.
“In such an environment, wearing a mask of patriotism, they have tried to win the support of certain political structures with the aim of avoiding responsibility for criminal acts,” said the government’s statement.

“Success on second attempt”
The government was quick to linked the murder with last month’s attempt to assassinate the prime minister on a highway in New Belgrade.
“This method of assassination is well known and it has happened immediately after the highway assassination attempt.
“In the meantime, a broad investigation has been launched both within the country and abroad which should result in arrests in several days.
“Today’s assassination cannot be seen outside the context of these events,” said the government in a statement.

Defense Council orders army into “fight against terrorism”

Emergency meeting of military command
BELGRADE, Wednesday (Beta) – The Supreme Defense Council of Serbia-Montenegro tonight ordered the deployment of the army in the fight against terrorism.
A statement issued after this evening’s emergency sitting of the council charged Chief of Staff Branko Krga with stepping up the combat readiness of the army after today’s assassination of the Serbian prime minister.
The council also asked for the full cooperation of the police forces of both Serbia and Montenegro and military intelligence services have been ordered to support the Serbian police.
The meeting which began at 6.30 p.m. with a minute’s silence, was convened by the council’s chairman, federal president Svetozar Marovic.
Attending were the other two council members, Acting Serbian President Natasa Micic and Acting Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, together with a number of senior political, military and police figures.

Army “ready for manhunt”
Krga was quick to respond this evening, saying that the army was prepared to join the search for the killers of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
“I send most sincere condolences to the family of Mr Djindjic and express the readiness of the army to be involved to whatever extent necessary in finding the killers and stabilizing the situation in the country,” General Branko Krga told state television.

No let-up for South Serbia
A Serbian government representative also said this afternoon that there would be no withdrawal of state security forces from South Serbia in the wake of the assassination.
Mica Markovic who is a senior official of the state Coordination Centre for South Serbia, said that security forces in the region would continue to operate normally.
“We are all aware of the current situation and we will continue our activities aimed at preserving peace in the region,” he told media.

Political forces in chorus of outrage

“Act of terrorism”
BELGRADE, Wednesday (Beta/B92) – The presidency of Serbia’s ruling DOS coalition today described the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic as a declaration of war on democracy and democratic institutions in Serbia.
”This terrorist act is an attempt to destabilize the society and stop democratic processes,” said the presidency in a statement issued after an emergency meeting this afternoon.
The coalition also agreed to a moratorium on ideological, political and other differences and to unite all democratic and pro-reform forces in Serbia to do everything possible to preserve peace and public security.
In its statement the coalition presidency also urged all political organizations, unions and lobby groups, together with civil associations and individuals to work towards the goals of all people of good will in Serbia.

Brutal warning, says Kostunica
Vojislav Kostunica described the assassination as “a brutal warning that the truth must be faced”.
The shooting demonstrated that crime has pervaded every pore in Serbia, said the former Yugoslav president.
“Crime cannot be divided into good and bad, us and them. We must grasp that crime is always destructive to the fabric of society and the natural enemy of all democratic institutions,” Kostunica told media.
“I hope all those responsible will be brought to justice and I particularly hope that all of us – both the authorities and the opposition – will finally draw a strict line between what is legal and what is not. You can’t have compromise and deals,” added Kostunica.

Djukanovic “shocked”
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic said this afternoon that he was shaken by the murder of Djindjic, whom he described as a personal friend.
Djukanovic said he learnt of the news at Belgrade airport and immediately went to the Serbian Government building where the information was confirmed, before returning to Podgorica.
“I am shocked, what can I tell you?” he told media.
“The person who chose this vandalistic, terrorist act knew he was shooting the person who was the personification of the new, reformist, democratic image of Serbia.
“This is a hard blow, not only for the reformist forces in Serbia, but for the democratic movement in a wider area and for the state union of Serbia-Montenegro at its very outset,” said the Montenegrin prime minister.

Sour note from New Serbia leader
New Serbia leader Velimir Ilic has struck a sour note tonight, using the assassination of Zoran Djindjic as another occasion to vent his spleen at the prime minister.
“One man wanted to be in control of everything, which is impossible, and it has had a fatal ending.
“It was no use telling the prime minister that authority must be shared and that no one can rule alone,” said the controversial Ilic, who is also mayor of the central Serbian city of Cacak.
Ilic, whose party last year broke with Djindjic’s DOS coalition, described the assassination as proof that the state institutions did not exist and called for the establishment of a government of national unity.

Socialists condemn assassination
Slobodan Milosevic’s Socialist Party of Serbia this evening condemned the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
“The Socialist Party of Serbia is dedicated to parliamentary political combat and the democratic conflict of different political views on the public political stage and has always condemned violence and violent political methods., said the party in a statement.

Democracy gunned down, say Kosovo Serb leaders
Leaders of the Kosovo Serb Return coalition described the assassination as a tragic event which will cost Kosovo Serbs dearly.
The parliamentary head of the party, Dragisa Krstovic, said that “nothing more tragic could have happened”.
“Democracy has been murdered together with the struggle for a better future,” he told media.
Kosovo government condemns “cowardly act”
The Kosovo government described the assassination of the Serbian prime minister as “a cowardly act”.
Such acts, said the government, were too dangerous, not only for the country in which they occurred, but also in the broader region.
In its statement the government also expressed condolences to Zoran Djindjic’s family.

International shock over assassination

Bush “expresses sorrow”
BELGRADE, Wednesday (B92/AFP) – Messages of shock, condolence and support have poured into Serbia this evening as the diplomatic world learns of the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
A spokesman for US President George Bush said that Djindjic would be remembered for his role in bringing democracy to Serbia and bringing Slobodan Milosevic to justice.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said that Bush expressed his sorrow to the people of Serbia.
Djindjic saw Serbia's fate as linked to the West and favored greater cooperation with the U.N. war crimes tribunal, where Milosevic, the former president, is now standing trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, said Bush’s spokesman.

Powell “shocked and saddened”
US Secretary of state Colin Powell also said that he was shocked and saddened by the assassination.
This is the full text of his statement:
“I was shocked and saddened by the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic of Serbia who died earlier today after being shot in Belgrade. I want to extend the deepest condolences of the United States to his family, his friends, and to the government and people of Serbia.
“Prime Minister Djindjic's fearless leadership was instrumental in ending the terrible and despotic regime of Slobodan Milosevic and peacefully restoring democratic rule. I met with him many times and came to know him and admire his courage and wisdom.
“His courageous decision to transfer Milosevic to The Hague to stand trial for his alleged war crimes played a crucial role in helping Serbia to come to terms with and move beyond its recent past. He promoted the economic and political reforms necessary for Serbia's integration into Europe and spoke out against extremism in all forms.
“He courageously initiated a public campaign to combat organized crime, which threatens every institution in Serbian society. I count myself as privileged to know him as a friend and Prime Minister. All of us will miss him.
“We are confident that Serbia's political leaders will continue Prime Minister Djindjic's vital work. The United States remains committed to helping Serbia undertake the economic and democratic reforms that will lead it toward a brighter and more prosperous future within Europe.”

US Embassy issues warning
The US Embassy in Belgrade urged caution for its citizens in Serbia in the wake of today’s events.
While saying that the murder was not a direct threat to US citizens or other members of the international community, the embassy advised its citizens to restrict their movements and be cautious.
The embassy also warned US citizens not to challenge or argue with police or soldiers performing their duty.

Annan deplores slaying
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan expressed shock today at the assassination, saying it was a deplorable act of political violence.
"The secretary general is shocked and saddened," Annan's spokesman, Fred Eckhard said.
"He deplores this act of political violence and trusts that the perpetrators will be brought to justice."
The president of the United Nations General Assembly, Jan Kavan, also said he was "shocked and saddened" by the murder.
His spokesman Richard Sydenham said "President Kavan deplores this violent act against a democratically elected head of government."

Solana “deeply concerned”
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana spoke to Radio B92 today, condemning what he described as the criminal assassination of Zoran Djindjic.
He said that he had last spoken to the Serbian prime minister, whom he described as a good friend, only yesterday.
“It is terrible that such violence still exists in a democratic country. All my thought are with his family,” he said.
Solana said he had already spoken to federal president Svetozar Marovic, but had been unable to reach Djindjic’s deputy, Nebojsa Covic.
“I’d like to say that Zoran was a brave man, resolute in his intention to reform your country and bring it closer to the EU.
“I have a message for the citizens of Serbia, that they will have the full support the EU, as will your government, so that such attacks will not influence the policy of a democratically elected government,” Solana told B92.
He also called for plans to elect the new federal government tomorrow not to be postponed.
Solana also said that he had no fear for the security and political situation in Serbia.
“I have full confidence in the political leaders of your country and the patriotism and responsibility of the citizens.
“I believe your country will resume its development and draw closer to the EU through progress, which was Zoran Djindjic’s dream,” said Solana.

OSCE sends condolences, pledges support
The OSCE mission to Serbia and Montenegro has sent condolences to Djindjic’s family and a message of support to Serbia-Montenegro.
In its statement, the OSCE praised Djindjic’s commitment to reform and his successful efforts to bring the country closer to Europe.
“The OSCE Mission strongly condemns this inhumane and cowardly act of violence and reaffirms its full commitment to supporting the Serbian government in combating crime and moving the country towards the European mainstream," said Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Montenegro.
"It is extremely important that the Djindjic-led reforms are now built upon and consolidated in the interest of the country and as a tribute to the late Prime Minister," said mission head Maruizio Massari, in his statement.

Patten in Belgrade this week, despite assassination
European Foreign Affairs Commission Chris Patten will travel to Belgrade on Friday as planned, the European Commission’s local delegation announced this evening.
Patten is to meet Serbia-Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic and other officials.
His visit was originally scheduled for him to address the new government of Serbia-Montenegro after its official election tomorrow.
However the parliament session at which the new cabinet was to have been sworn in has been postponed.

OTHER NEWS FROM SERBIA

Compensation awarded to torture victim
BELGRADE, Wednesday (HLC) -- Belgrade's First Municipal Court has ordered Serbia to pay 100,000 dinars in compensation to Bojan Aleksov for his unlawful detention and torture by State Security officers.
The panel of judges established that two State Security Service officers pulled Aleksov from his car on the evening of 7 July 2000, before taking him to a police station in central Belgrade, where he was beaten on the palms of his hands and souls of his feet and repeatedly threatened with death over a 24-hour period.
The police maltreatment was inflicted as a result of Aleksov’s connections with the Women in Black non-governmental organization and work on the Safe House project for Yugoslav conscientious objectors who fled the country to Hungary to avoid conscription
Aleksov was then forced to write a false confession admitting that both he, and the Women in Black movement, were employed by the US Central Intelligence Agency.
He was then forced to read the statement in front of a camera and agree to work for the State Security Service.

KOSOVO

Steiner denies provocation
PRISTINA, Wednesday (B92) – UNMIK Chief Michael Steiner yesterday dismissed Belgrade’s accusations, which suggested that the transfer of powers to Kosovo institutions was a provocation.
The governor plans to transfer a greater part of UNMIK’s powers to ethnic-Albanian dominated Kosovo institutions by the end of this year, and Steiner defended the action by insisting that it was a request of the Resolution 1244 mandate, and was also requested with consensus in the UN Security Council.
Steiner did not say when planned Belgrade-Pristina talks would commence, although he did indicate that UNMIK and Kosovo interim institutions would take a joint stance in the discussions.
The governor insisted that certain issues, such as discussion of Kosovo’s status or the expansion of the agenda for talks, could not and would not be discussed, although he would be willing to discuss other issues when Serbian PM Zoran Djindjic replies to the letter he sent on Monday.

Covic outlines acceptable conditions
BELGRADE, Wednesday (B92) – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Nebojsa Covic today insisted that UNMIK chief Michael Steiner must provide specific guarantees.
Confirming that a decision regarding talks between Belgrade and Pristina will be decided after Thursday’s session of the Serbian Government, Covic said that governor Steiner must guarantee that the transfer of authority to Kosovo’s interim institutions would not grant powers exceeding those of a province.
Covic added that Steiner must guarantee that there will be no legalization of the Kosovo Liberation Army, and that the Kosovo Protection Corps will not be turned into Kosovo's army.

Kosovo ombudsman insists UN must do more to help Serbs
FRANKFURT, Wednesday (Beta) – Marek Nowicki, ombudsman for Kosovo, today insisted that the UN is not doing enough to punish the members of the Albanian community for violating the Serbs’ fundamental human rights.
Speaking to Serbian-language Frankfurt daily Vesti, Nowicki explained that everyone has the right to return home and it is the responsibility of both UNMIK and the Albanian community to create conditions that will facilitate the return of misplaced Kosovo Serbs.
However, Nowicki insisted that the only thing awaiting the handful of Serbs he expects to make the return home is a hostile Albanian attitude.
Nowicki is doubtful of a mass return of Serbs, explaining that since 1999 the Albanian community has taken over everything and created an Albanian Kosovo.

SERBIA-MONTENEGRO

US threatens sanctions if Serb piracy continues
BELGRADE, Wednesday (B92) – Serbia-Montenegro will lose its preferential trade relations status with the US, and US trade sanctions will follow by the end of the year, if the union fails to put a stop to piracy in the country.
Radio B92 sources today revealed that representatives of the International Agency for the Protection of Intellectual Property and the International Film Association have spent the past two days in Belgrade, carrying the message that Serbia-Montenegro must end piracy by June 1 or face US Government monitoring.
The representatives, who have held talks with ministers for finance, interior affairs, culture and representatives of the Anti-Piracy Commission, gave the country a fortnight deadline to finalize the draft law governing copyrights and related rights, which should then be adopted by the Serbia-Montenegro Parliament.

Croatia will not abolish visas for the new union
VUKOVAR, Wednesday (Politika) – An unnamed Croatian diplomat today insisted that the Croatian Government has no intention of abolishing visas for citizens of Serbia-Montenegro, according to Osijek daily Glas Slavonije.
The anonymous diplomat explained that Croatia has not been asked to do so by its European partners and would only scrap its visa system when the European Union does. Its current visa regime is not seen as an obstacle to the acceptance of Croatia’s candidacy for EU membership.
However, despite Croatia’s refusal to consider abolishing its own visa system, the state requests that Serbia-Montenegro fully abolish visas for Croatian citizens.

THE REGION