The glorification of war criminals or attempts to change history will only help tensions and conflicts escalate, Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said Saturday in his video message on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the genocide in this east Bosnian town.

“It is an honour to speak to you today because I feel deep respect for this event. Twenty-five years ago, in and around Srebrenica genocide was committed.

It happened just a generation ago, in our Europe… It is difficult to imagine today. But, it was difficult to imagine then, but it happened!

Srebrenica will always remind us that there isn't a time that is totally secure and eliminates huge tragedies.
We, as human beings cannot forget that.

Srebrenica remains a huge trauma for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe it always pays off to seek answers on what it's like to really overcome.

In the Second World War Czechoslovakia suffered in the hands of the German Nazis and their aiders.

Jews and other peoples, even randomly chosen local citizens were the subject of extermination.

We managed to overcome this to a substantial measure.

Germany admitted the crimes of the Nazis and condemned this part of their history. It revived Czecho-German relations and lead to their flourishing.

The same can happen in BiH. Genocide in Srebrenica, proven by detailed judicial processes, cannot be in any way justified.

Recognizing facts, remorse and remembrance – I believe this to be the only valid direction.

This goes for all sides and all those who committed war crimes any time during the war. It's not just Srebrenica.
To be clear: There is no room for politicizing.

Meddling with tragedies in order to get political points, the glorification of war criminals or attempts to change history will only help tensions and conflicts escalate.

I believe that we need the opposite: depoliticizing historical revision of the past, recognizing all complaints and a common devotion to a better future.

This requests a sincere effort and brave steps politicians on all sides, not just in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but outside its borders as well.

Make this happen, because my greatest wish is to greet a reconciled, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina as a member of the European Union, as soon as possible.” the Foreign minister said.