EP - Death of President Boris Trajkovski of FYR Macedonia

President Pat COX told members that he had just learned of the death of the President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski. President Trajkovski had been killed in a plane crash while travelling to a meeting in Mostar. President Cox said he had known Mr. Trajkovski as a personal and political friend for some time. He had brought reconciliation to his homeland and worked for it in the region. He was a true European, a warm-hearted man and a former distinguished visitor to Parliament.

President Cox expressed the deep sympathy and solidarity of Parliament to the government and people of Macedonia. He also spoke of determination to keep alive Mr Trajkovski's vision for his country's European destination, as this would pay him the best possible tribute.

MEPs marked their respect by rising for a minute's silence.

| Arriba |

• President Romano Prodi - A tribute to President Boris Trajkovski (5/3/2004)
• EUHR Solana expresses shock and sadness at the tragic death of the Macedonian President  (26/2/2004)
• Message from President Prodi on the tragic death of President Trajkovski (26/2/2004)
• Commissioner Patten's statement following the death of the President of FYROM (26/2/2004)