'Srebrenica genocide anniversary – a painful reminder for Europe'

ANADOLIJA/Dursun Aydemir

July 11th marks the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica and this is our painful reminder that Europe failed to live up to the promise that “never again would there be such tragedy on our continent, the European Union's top officials said in a joint message on the occasion of the Srebrenica mass killing anniversary.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims of this tragic event, their families and their loved ones and all those whose lives have been affected. We honour the memory of those laid to rest and all those still missing,” said the message signed by President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and HRVP Josep Borrell.

“This anniversary is for us a painful reminder. 25 years ago Europe failed to live up to the promise that never again would there be such tragedy on our continent. It is also a powerful signal of the need to stand up firmly and without exceptions for the universal values – human dignity, in particular – which underpin our Union,” said the officials, adding that the past must be confronted “with honesty” and the future looked to “with determination to support the next generation.” building a better future.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina has come a long way in restoring trust, within and between the country’s communities. But for peace and reconciliation to continue, the way forward must include the recognition of suffering, mutual respect and dignity. Day-to-day reconciliation has to become reality in politics, in schools, in town halls, in everyday life. Leaders everywhere are responsible to ensure that public messages, as well as statues, monuments and the names of public places, streets and squares, champion the quest for reconciliation,” said the officials.

“The European Union remains strongly committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans as a whole in fostering reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of the past, as their future in the EU is closer than ever,” they added.