Croatian Leaders Condemn Srebrenica Genocide on 31st Anniversary

Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Saturday marked the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, extending condolences to the victims' families and condemning the 1995 atrocity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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We pay our deepest tribute to all innocent victims in Srebrenica and express our deep sympathy with their families.

Milanović, writing on Facebook, paid "deepest tribute to all innocent victims in Srebrenica" and expressed "deep sympathy with their families." He stressed that "preserving historical truth and the permanent condemnation of the politics of crime remain our duty and the foundation of long-term peace." Milanović highlighted the UN General Assembly's resolution, which ensures "that the memory of the Srebrenica victims will be permanently preserved."

Prime Minister Plenković also conveyed condolences via X and Facebook, stating a "clear and unequivocal condemnation of this horrific crime." He described the victims as a "permanent reminder to be vigilant, but also a permanent call for humanity, reason, and respect to overcome all divisions." Plenković added that Croatia remains committed to peace, stability, and Bosnia and Herzegovina's European future, built on "dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation."

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Preserving historical truth and the permanent condemnation of the politics of crime remain our duty and the foundation of long-term peace.

The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their dedication to "promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation." The ministry stated, "The Srebrenica genocide must never be forgotten. It is a permanent reminder of the importance of preserving human dignity and preventing such atrocities from ever happening again."

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We clearly and unequivocally condemn this horrific crime.

The article also provides context on the genocide, noting that over eight thousand Bosniak men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces after the fall of the UN-protected zone in July 1995. It mentions that the remains of nearly seven thousand victims have been identified and buried, with ten more sets of remains to be interred at the memorial complex in Potočari. The UN General Assembly declared July 11th the International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide in 2024.

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The victims of Srebrenica remain permanently etched in our consciousness as a warning, but also as a permanent call for humanity, reason, and respect to overcome all divisions.