Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja on the death of Anna Lindh

Press release 210/2003
11 September, 2003


Among foreign ministers Anna Lindh was my closest colleague and best friend. During her time as foreign minister, cooperation and understanding between Sweden and Finland in foreign and security policy became closer than at any time in the history of our two countries. Despite the fact that this cooperation is certain to continue, I will forever miss the friendship of Anna Lindh and her irreplaceable contribution. And never again will I meet her with her family on holiday here in Finland.

Anna Lindh was a politician respected and appreciated above party lines and other demarcations. It is singularly difficult to accept that Anna Lindh, whose guiding principle in all she did was to oppose aggression and defend human rights and justice, became herself a victim of mindless violence.