In a statement issued today, the US Embassy emphasized the right of BiH citizens to respectfully commemorate all innocent victims of past wars.

“This includes the victims of the horrible crimes and massacres committed by the forces of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) and the Nazis in the aftermath of the Partisan Kozara offensive in 1942 as well as the victims of the genocide committed in and around Srebrenica by elements of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) in July 1995”, the Embassy stated.

The Embassy stressed the collective obligation to acknowledge the truth of these and other war crimes committed on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to honor the victims. This responsibility, it noted, is particularly pertinent for BiH officials – Bosniak, Croat, Serb, and Other – across all levels of government.

“Unfortunately, some RS government officials chose to instrumentalize the July 6 and 7 visit of Serbian police and military cadets to BiH to raise tensions and further divide the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The deliberately provocative rhetoric and activities, especially in Prijedor, during the same week of the commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide, was irresponsible and undermines efforts to promote reconciliation”, the statement reads.

The US Embassy's remarks underscore the importance of honoring victims with respect and the need for unity and reconciliation in the region.