Dacic signs book of condolences following Belrusconi's passing

BELGRADE - Serbian First Deputy PM and FM Ivica Dacic signed a book of condolences at the Italian embassy in Belgrade on Wednesday following the passing of Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi.

"We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the great Italian politician and esteemed statesman Silvio Berlusconi. On this sad occasion, I extend sincere condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and on my own behalf.

We will remember Silvio Belrusconi not only as a true leader and an indispensable actor of Italian and European political life in the past three decades whose political biography includes four terms as president of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy and tenures as an Italian MP and senator and a member of the European Parliament and European Council president, but also as an exceptionally successful businessman and an authentic personality as well as a proven friend of the Republic of Serbia and the Serbs," Dacic wrote in a message of condolences.

"Serbia and all its citizens will remember with sincere respect his generous contribution to advancement of the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Italy.

In these difficult times, I wish to convey sincere condolences to the family of Silvio Berlusconi and all admirers of the distinguished statesman," Dacic added.