On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the High Representative, Valentin Inzko, expressed his gratitude to the Mothers of Srebrenica as the ones who have done most for the pursuit of truth and justice. Among them was the late Hatidža Mehmedović, who wished to see the future for new generations built on truth, repentance, and forgiveness. “Mothers of Srebrenica deserve our admiration and respect,” added the High Representative.
Inzko used this opportunity to once more highlight the shameful practice of some public figures who persist in rewriting history and relativizing the Srebrenica genocide, going as far as to glorify convicted war criminals. “In the 21st century, it is simply unacceptable that a student dormitory, where future generations are being educated, is named after a convicted war criminal. I appeal to the politician who placed the plaque to remove it in a gesture of regret.”
“The negation of genocide and glorification of genocide is the final stage of genocide, as Judge Aegius said once,” the High Representative stressed.
The High Representative further reminded that events in the Srebrenica area in 1995 have been well documented and researched, and both domestic and international courts have determined that genocide was committed. “None of them have accused any people, as there are no bad peoples. There are only bad individuals.”
Speaking about reconciliation, the High Representative once again appealed to the politicians to bury their hatchets, to find wisdom and courage to lead the people of BiH towards the future. “After 25 years, it is time to move on, to leave the past to historians to deal with respectfully, and to focus on the present and the future.”
Srebrenica should always remain a “planetary place of remembrance, of ‘never again.’” “Srebrenica could also be a place demonstrating the power of forgiveness, a place demonstrating that, through forgiveness, the whole humanity wins,” concluded the High Representative.
