TELEGRAM FOR ASSASSINATION OF SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER

VATICAN CITY, MAR 14, 2003 (VIS) - The following telegram of condolences, published today, was sent in Pope John Paul's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, to Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, apostolic nuncio in Belgrade for the assassination on March 12 of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic of Serbia and Montenegro:

"His Holiness Pope John Paul II has learned with consternation and sadness of the tragic assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic and he asks you kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the president and the members of government, together with his forceful condemnation of this barbarous act of violence. At this time of national mourning His Holiness expresses his solidarity with the people of Serbia and Montenegro in their resolute efforts to work for the renewal of society and the building of a democratic order marked by justice, cooperation in the pursuit of the common good and respect for the rights of all. Commending the late prime minister to God's mercy, the Holy Father invokes upon the nation and its people the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and peace."

TGR;ASSASSINATION DJINDJIC;...;SODANO ;VIS;20030314;Word: 190;