Today marks the 28th European commemorative day for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. The plenary of the European Parliament rightfully takes a moment to pay honour to the victims of this horrendous genocide and voice our strong support for the ongoing efforts for peace, justice and reconciliation.

Unfortunately, she said, this struggle is still much needed, as the genocide is still being denied and war criminals are being celebrated by parts of the country including the political leadership of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity.

Strik recalled that this year's ceremony also comes at a time when RS President Milorad Dodik undertook new steps to legally secede the entity from the rest of the country by denying constitutional court rulings and undermining the Office of the High Representative’s (OHR) decisions.

“The European Parliament is united in calling for a strong response by the international community. We need sanctions by the EU or a group of Member States to be adopted to stop Dodik's dangerous secessionist path and guard the safety and territorial integrity of BiH. I further call upon the OHR – in close coordination with the international community – to give Dodik a short-term ultimatum for withdrawing his latest moves and statements, and use the Bonn Powers to remove him from office in case of non-compliance.”