”The murder of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic is a tragedy for Serbia and of course also for his family”, Norway’s Prime Minister, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik, said Wednesday after reports that Mr. Djindjic had been shot in Belgrade.

”Mr. Djindjic was a bold politician who wanted to bring his people into the Euro-Atlantic cooperation. He was a driving force for economic and political reforms that are vital in order for Serbia to recover and to participate fully in European and international cooperation”, Mr. Bondevik said.

The Prime Minister said the killing demonstrates that those working for democracy and reforms are facing dangerous opponents.

”We must now support Serbia’s democratic and reform-friendly forces. We must see to it that this tragic event does not bring reforms to a halt. In that way we may continue in the spirit of Mr. Djindjic – a leader and a political reformer”, the Prime Minister said.

“I wish to express my sincere condolences to Mr. Zoran Djindjic’s family”, Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said.