Any denial of the genocide in Srebrenica deeply offends justice and is an obstacle to reconciliation, said the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign policy, Josep Borelj.
He said that in July 1995, one of the darkest chapters of contemporary European history was written.
"More than 8,3 thousand boys and men were systematically killed and buried in mass graves in the hills around Srebrenica. Today, 29 years later, 14 of those victims, who were only recently identified, will be buried at the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery," said Borelj.
He said that for their families and loved ones, the long and painful period of uncertainty is finally ending.
According to Borelj, Srebrenica remains a deep scar in the history of Europe.
"The failure to prevent that genocide is a burden we continue to carry," said Borelj.
He recalled that both the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice unequivocally defined that crime as genocide.
"We swore never to forget - neither the victims, nor the immense pain of their families and loved ones. Remembering them makes us work every day to ensure that history does not repeat itself, in this world where peace seems increasingly fragile," said Borelj.
As he said, by designating July 11 as the "International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide committed in Srebrenica in 1995", the General Assembly of the United Nations recognized that the significance of that tragedy goes beyond the European area.
Borelj said that, nevertheless, the worrying tendency of denial is still present in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the entire region.
"Any denial of this genocide deeply offends justice and is an obstacle to reconciliation. The EU's position is clear: in societies that value truth and justice, there can be no place for denial of genocide, historical revisionism or glorification of war criminals," said Borelj.
Reconciliation, he said, is everyone's responsibility and it is not an abstract goal.
"It must be a constant practice that permeates politics, education and every corner of everyday life. It is especially the role of political leaders in the region to reject the rhetoric of division and actively promote reconciliation," said Borelj.
For that, he said, it is necessary to respect historical facts, pay tribute to the victims and nurture a culture of peace and cooperation.
"In March, the leaders of EU member states decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Borelj.
According to him, the beginning of the path to EU membership brings renewed hope for political stability, economic growth and a better future for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"It also emphasizes the commitment of the EU to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in establishing a functional democratic state and society in which pluralism, justice and human dignity prevail," Borelj added.
He said that they have shown that it is possible.
"The EU was conceived to bring peace and reconciliation to the European continent, long divided by bloody fratricidal wars," Borelj said.
This, as he stated, would not be possible without the acceptance of established historical facts and commitment to building institutions that can ensure lasting peace.
Borelj said that the genocide in Srebrenica is a painful reminder of what can happen when political elites spread and incite hatred.
"It is our collective duty to ensure that this remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of such hatred and intolerance." It is our common duty to ensure that such atrocities never happen again," Borelj pointed out.
The EU, as he said, stands by BiH in that aspiration.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
