EUHR Solana: Comments after the death of Slobodan Milosevic

Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following comments after the sudden death of Slobodan Milosevic:

"I have just heard the news of the passing away of Slobodan Milosevic, precisely as we were meeting in Salzburg with the countries of the Western Balkans to welcome the progress of stability in a region that suffered so much during his leadership

The death of any individual is a sad event. I think in particular of his family. Personally, I have had a long, difficult relationship with Slobodan Milosevic from many encounters in dramatic circumstances.

But we cannot ignore the fact that many men and women suffered from the consequences of his policies. My thoughts also go to them.

My message today to the Serbian people is to come to terms with the legacy of Milosevic. This will help them in moving forward towards the family of European nations where they belong."

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• Statement by Commissioner Rehn following his meeting with the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)  (3/4/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Western Balkans (20/3/2006)
• European Commission signs agreement on Croatia's participation in the 'Intelligent Energy -Europe' programme (17/3/2006)
• EU External Relations Council Conclusions on the Western Balkans  (27/2/2006)
• EU Enlargement and Western Balkans - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (10/2/2006)