The Special Envoy of the German Federal Government for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, spoke to N1 during the special program at the Memorial Center in Potocari. Sarrazin attended the commemoration and collective burial of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, where he stressed the importance of acknowledging the truth about the genocide and honouring the victims. He strongly opposed secessionist ideas, emphasizing that Bosnia and Herzegovina could only make progress on its European path as a single state with two entities.

Sarrazin said that this was his second visit to Potocari and that he was deeply moved by the commemoration ceremony. He remarked on the necessity for new generations to find their own ways to cope with the past, advocating for a common starting point for dialogue and mutual respect.

“As the German government, we want the truth to be told, which is why we co-sponsored the UN Resolution on the Srebrenica Genocide,” the German diplomat added.

Discussing political matters, particularly Serbia's relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarrazin noted that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, former Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, and other officials were open in discussions with him about their good intentions towards Bosnia. However, he stressed the need to judge actions, not just words.

“They need to dissuade us in some way, especially considering the ‘All-Serb Assembly’ and Banja Luka's stance. I believe it influences Belgrade's official position, which saddens me. It must be clear that Bosnia's future as a unified state with two entities, on the path to the EU, is the only perspective. Germany wants Republika Srpska to follow this path, and all people there, regardless of ethnic background, are welcome,” Sarrazin emphasized.

He acknowledged the difficulty in assessing whether Bosnia is in a greater crisis today than two years ago, considering the actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.

“But I must say that Bosnia has made positive steps towards the EU, which directly contradicts Dodik's statements, making it hard to assess,” Sarrazin noted, adding that he takes Dodik's words seriously.

The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted the Resolution on the Srebrenica Genocide, with Germany as a co-sponsor. He was asked what can be expected from this document.

“Our idea was to remember, to honour the victims, and to send a signal that international law and jurisdiction must be respected. I regret that there was a campaign against the Resolution despite its intentions and the facts in the text. The Resolution never aimed to label any nation or state as genocidal,” Sarrazin highlighted.

He concluded by underscoring the need to speak the truth and focus on facts.

“We want to remember the victims and call for justice, being precise in the text and opposing its misuse for campaigns. We are not against Serbs, Republika Srpska, or Serbia; we are one of the largest investors. But we must speak the truth—genocide happened here, and it does not help if we don't openly acknowledge it and respect the victims. I know there were also Serbian victims, and that Germans committed terrible crimes in the 1940s—I don't want to deny that. It does no good to label an entire nation as genocidal. We want to honour and respect what happened in July 1995,” Sarrazin added.