Former Serbian minister's suicide note

Stojiljkovic was to follow Milosevic to The Hague

The former Serbian Interior Minister, Vlajko Stojiljkovic, has shot himself in the head outside the Yugoslav parliament.

In a note released after his suicide attempt, Mr Stojiljkovic - who had been indicted for alleged war crimes - said his action was in protest at the passing of a new law by the Yugoslav parliament on co-operation with the Hague tribunal.

Under that law, Mr Stojiljkovic could be transferred to the tribunal.

He is reported to have lodged another, 15-page letter with his lawyer.

"I, Vlajko Stojiljkovic, a deputy in the Yugoslav Assembly Chamber of Republics, express my protest against members of the current puppet DOS [Democratic Opposition of Serbia] authorities and the Montenegrin coalition for Yugoslavia, over the breaking up of Yugoslavia, as well as against the biggest enemy of our people, Javier Solana, over the reckless trampling of the Constitution and the law of this country, over the conducting of a policy of betrayal and capitulation, the loss of national dignity, the destruction of the economy and the bringing of millions of citizens into social misery.

Patriotic citizens of this country will know how to avenge me

Vlajko Stojiljkovic

For my death, I hold responsible and directly accuse [Serbian Prime Minister] Zoran Djindjic, [Yugoslav President] Vojislav Kostunica, [Serbian Interior Minister] Dusan Mihajlovic, [Serbian Justice Minister] Vladan Batic, [Yugoslav Deputy Prime Minister] Miroljub Labus, [Lower House parliamentary speaker] Dragoljub Micunovic, [Montenegrin opposition leader] Predrag Bulatovic, [Speaker of Upper House] Srdja Bozovic and [Yugoslav Prime Minister] Dragisa Pesic.

Patriotic citizens of this country will know how to avenge me. A more detailed message will follow.

People's deputy, Vlajko Stojiljkovic."

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