In a time of negating genocide, relativization of crimes, and glorification of war criminals, it is necessary to work essentially to preserve the truth and remind the international community of its responsibility, for the sake of history and future generations. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized this among other things, in an exclusive interview for Federal Television at the Srebrenica Memorial Center – Potočari.
Shaheen emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the genocide committed in 1995, emphasizing that rewriting of historical facts must not be allowed.
“The world needs to remember what happened here”
The U.S. Senator said this was her first visit to the Memorial Center in Potočari, and that she had visited in 2023.
“My message is very clear. The world must remember what happened here. To remember that genocide was committed here. That is why this place exists, why we have a genocide museum, and why the cemetery is here. What is also important is not to allow those who want to rewrite history to do so. It is essential to remember this,” Shaheen said.
Speaking about earlier initiatives for the recognition of genocide in Srebrenica in the United States, she recalled the attitude of the U.S. Congress.
“The U.S. Congress understood and confirmed that it is known what happened here, that genocide happened. It is very important, and it is crucial not to allow it to happen again,” she said.
“The United States Has Supported and Continues to Support the Memorial Center”
When asked about the pressure from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Bijeljina and the Zvornik Police Administration on the Memorial Center and its director, Emir Suljagić, Shaheen chose not to speak about a concrete case. She emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the genocide.
“It is necessary to remind people that genocide happened, so it doesn’t happen again. That is what this is about. The United States has supported and continues to support the Memorial Center,” she emphasized.
She recalled that she visited Potočari several times, including for the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, when she was accompanied by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
“What is important is that we continue to remind people what happened here, because it is a must to talk about what happened in its historical context. History must be told so that the bad things from history are not repeated,” Shaheen emphasized.
“The Mothers of Srebrenica are true fighters”
Speaking about the Mothers of Srebrenica, the U.S. Senator highlighted their role in preserving the memory of the genocide victims and establishing the Memorial Center.
“I am truly their friend. They are true fighters, and I salute everything they have done and continue to do. It is precisely the mothers who helped create this Memorial Center and ensure that his memory endures,” Shaheen concluded.
