The US embassy strongly condemned the presence of HDZ president Dragan Čović at the promotion of the book of convicted war criminal Valentin Ćorić, stating that such a move is “shameful” and represents “anathema to the European values that he supposedly represents.”
The announcement of the American Embassy on X is transmitted in its entirety: War criminal Valentin Ćorić promotes the book in Mostar as well, receiving harsh reactions: ‘How much evil is in this “repentant”…’
“Two days ago, Dragan Čović proudly boasted of his determination to “build a European BiH for everyone”. Dragan Čović decided yesterday evening at a book promotion in Mostar to publicly honor the convicted war criminal Valentin Ćorić, one of the members of the infamous “Herceg-Bosnia six” who were convicted by the Hague Tribunal for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mr. Čović’s public display of support for a convicted war criminal is anathema to the European values he supposedly represents and claims to support. Public support and glorification of convicted war criminals certainly has no place in a “European BiH for all”.
Dragan Čović’s proud participation in the event in honor of the person responsible for so many terrible crimes is shameful.
The fact that the event was held in one of the alleged common cultural institutions of the City of Mostar adds to the insult of the victims. Leaders who profess commitment to European values should lead by example, not by honoring war criminals and reopening old wounds.”