George Papandreou's Eulogy

"We stand before you, in disbelief, with your family, your wife Ruzica, your children, Jovana and Luka. Your family is now our family… We share the grief of your friends, we share the grief of all those who knew you, for all those who fought for democratic society. We here, and many around the world. But we also stand before you, committed to the vision you have offered to your country, to Serbia and Montenegro, committed to the work you and your country have already accomplished, committed to the vision you had struggled for a peaceful and democratic southeastern Europe, committed to the vision that Serbia and Montenegro integrate into our a union. In this moment of tragedy, your vision remains alive.

The cowardly assassins should know that they will not go unpunished. We, in the European Union, will support all efforts of the Serbian government to bring them to justice. Let them also know that whatever their aim is, they cannot stop, they cannot squelch the hope and the accomplishments that you, and so many of your compatriots, have brought to your country and the region, and to Europe itself. Your death cannot stop our will to make your vision into reality… We will support all those all those, Serbian democratic governments in their effort to solidify democracy, freedom, peace, security and prosperity. Our will in the European Union is to integrate your country into our Union, the community of shared values, our Europe.

On behalf of the European Union, on behalf of all my colleagues, and so many of them are here with us today, I solemnly make this pledge to you, Zoran, and to Serbia and Montenegro, you will be a part of Europe, our Europe. As a citizen of the Balkans I make a pledge to you Zoran and I am sure I express (sic) so many Balkan friends who are here with you today at this cemetery. I remember, we remember, the dreams we have had together we have so often talked about our beautiful region becoming a region of peace, and cooperation, and stability. Becoming a model of democracy….

I pledge, we pledge, Zoran, to make this dream a reality with your Balkan friends. As a Greek, I pledge our lasting friendship to the Serbian people and deep grief in this moment of sorrow, and as a friend, and there are so many friends gathered here today, I will remember you, we will remember you… And have confidence, the confidence that your dreams will become a reality.

And we do believe that, Zoran.

Adio, my friend."