The second stage of the Nezuk – Potočari Peace March has also been completed. The most demanding. The participants crossed the mountain Udrč and arrived in Mravinjce during the evening.
At this year’s Peace March, which commemorates the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, around 9,000 participants are expected, said the President of the Subcommittee for the Peace March, Suljo Čakanović. He emphasized that organizers completed all preparations and that logistical, medical, and any other necessary support would be available to participants during their three-day march.
Number of Participants Higher than Expected
Čakanović said that, before organizers headed out to the field, the data showed over 6,300 registered participants, but that he expects a significantly higher number.
“According to our latest information, while we had database access, around 6, 300 participants were registered. Last night, we had a commemorative program. When I climbed to the stage and saw a packed stadium, I realized that even more people would arrive,” Čakanović said.
“Once we arrive in Potočari, the ATV, motorcycle, and bicycle, and other marathons will also join us. This signifies that around 9,000 participants will arrive, even if the number of registered participants does not increase. This is an impressive number, and I am sincerely grateful to all of them,” Čakanović said.
The President of the Subcommittee for Peace March emphasized that organizers are fully ready to realize this year’s march.
“We organizers are fully ready to ensure everything goes smoothly and peacefully. Our logistics teams are ready,” Čakanović said.
He added that the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 2nd Infantry Regiment, will be stationed in Tuzla and will ensure tent accommodation for the participants.
“The Armed Forces, the 2nd Infantry stationed in Tuzla, are preparing a tent accommodation for all Peace March Participants, without mats and covers,” he said.
Medical Aid along the entire Route
As he said, Civil Protection, Mountain Rescue Services, and medical crews will be stationed along the entire Peace March route.
“Civil Protection is doing its job up to the task, as well as Mountain Rescue Services and medical crews. First aid will be available to participants along the entire route since Red Cross volunteers will be marching with them. Hospitals and clinics will be located in camps, where examinations and interventions will be carried out. This preparation is pure perfection,” Čakanović emphasized.
Refreshments and Dinner in the Camps
Čakanović emphasized that participants will have access to refreshments and meals during the entire route.
“Along the entire route, refreshments, fruit, and energy supplements will be distributed, and in every overnight camp – Mravinjci, Liplje, and Potočari – dinner will be served from 6 p.m.,” Čakanović added.
“Every 12.5 meters here, someone lost their life”
Speaking about the Peace March symbolism, Čakanović noted the difficulty of the route the participants are undertaking.
“Peace March participants expect a three-day-long path. Over all these years, they realized that every 12.5 meters here, someone lost their life, and they cross that path in a peaceful and dignified manner. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them,” Čakanović emphasized.
In the end, he thanked all participants and those who will arrive to pay tribute to the victims of genocide.
“I am grateful to all of those who came to share in our grief and pay tribute to the innocently killed victims,” Čakanović concluded, N1 writes.
Photo: archive
