Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina stated on Friday that genocide in Srebrenica is a historical fact, legally established by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in 2004 and the International Court of Justice in 2007.

“Reconciliation can only be built upon truth, peace, and justice, as well as empathy and respect for all civilian victims. The European Union itself was founded on these principles following the Second World War. We urge Bosnia and Herzegovina’s leaders to fully focus their efforts on creating an environment conducive to reconciliation and the reforms necessary to achieve progress on the EU path”, the statement reads.

The EU noted that citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina want a brighter future and are interested in their leaders pursuing constructive ways of dealing with the legacy of the past.

“There is no legal, factual or rational basis for calls for a “peaceful disassociation” of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a road to nowhere and creates unacceptable fears among citizens. The EU, including through EUFOR, is unequivocally committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the safe and secure environment”, the EU stated.

The EU reminds of the green light given by the European Council for accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina followed reforms that all members of the state coalition contributed to.

“The reforms were a joint success of the coalition parties and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is of the highest importance that leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina follow the only real road: moving forward with the most certain guarantee of future stability and prosperity for Bosnia and Herzegovina – reform and progress on the EU path”, the EU stated.

Milorad Dodik, President of Bosnia's Republika Srpska entity, announced on Thursday in Bratunac his intention to propose a peaceful dissolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, arguing that the current arrangement is dysfunctional.