SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY TRAGIC DEATH OF PRESIDENT OF FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY TRAGIC DEATH OF PRESIDENT

OF FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General learned with deep sadness of the tragic death of the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski, and members of his delegation in a plane crash today.

President Trajkovski will be remembered for his crucial role in preserving the unity of his country and laying down the basis for the stability of a multi-ethnic MacedonianState.  A true European, Mr. Trajkovski greatly contributed to the development of regional cooperation and led his country towards membership in the European Union and NATO to ensure prosperity and stability for his people and for the entire region.

The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of President Trajkovski and the members of his delegation, and to the people of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

* *** *