Brussels, Sept 11: European Union leaders paid tribute today to Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, calling her a warm politician and a "true European," and expressing shock at her brutal killing. "I am deeply shocked at the tragic death of Anna Lindh. She was a brilliant colleague, a true European and a dear friend," said EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament observed a moment's silence, after hearing the news that Lindh had died in hospital, a day after being stabbed by an unknown assailant while shopping at a downtown department store in Stockholm. "Anna Lindh was the exemplary face of European politics," said Parliament Chief Pat Cox. "All who met her came to know and appreciate her exceptional qualities of warmth, intelligence and openness of spirit"

Lindh was a leading campaigner for the "yes" camp in Sweden's referendum this weekend on whether to join the Euro single currency this week. Campaigning was suspended after her death.

European Commission Chief Romano Prodi called the attack on Lindh a "brutal aggression." Bureau Report