Pyotr Ivancov, the Russian Ambassador to BiH, in an interview for “Dnevni Avaz” spoke about the last session of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), at which for the first time all the conclusions were adopted unanimously, then about the genocide in Srebrenica, adding that 20 years ago a crime of genocide occured in this city.
Answering the question what has changed, since the last session of the PIC was marked with the fact that all the conclusions were adopted unanimously, which has not been the case until now, Ivancov said that this does not mean that the position of Russia on some issues changed.
“The PIC is designed on the basis of the Dayton Agreement, and signed by the Russian Federation as well. As a common instrument of the state guaranteeing Dayton aiming at its fulfillment. We always proceeded from that and we will continue that way. This does not mean that the attitudes of the PIC are always equal. We have our national attitude, and sometimes it is different”, said the Russian Ambassador.
By adopting the Communiqué, the Russian side agreed that the genocide occurred in Srebrenica, which drifted it away from the current policy of the leaders of the Republic of Srpska, and even from their previous attitudes.
“If you look carefully at the communiqué, you will see that it is not just about this terrible tragedy of Srebrenica, but about other crimes during the war as well. Of course, this year it has been 20 years since the tragedy, and everybody understands that. And if we want to reach reconciliation, we must remember that each nation has its tragedy and dates which it wants to remember and they must not be forgotten or denied. And it is not only our attitude, but the position of the other members of the PIC”, said Ivancov.
He emphasized that Russia does not negate the notion of genocide, which is set by the International Tribunal.
“The crime of genocide occurred in Srebrenica”, he said.
The United Kingdom initiated in front of the United Nations the adoption of the resolution on Srebrenica, that should condemn this crime at the global level. The President of the RS has already announced that he would seek a veto from Russia.
(Source: novovrijeme.ba)
