Serbia refuses to support Baerbock for UNGA President due to Srebrenica Resolution

Lagumdžija voiced his support for Baerbock after a group of countries, led by Russia, launched a diplomatic offensive against her appointment. Among them was Serbia, which—although for different reasons—also opposed her candidacy.

According to available information, Serbia is critical of Baerbock due to Germany’s role in the initiative to adopt the Resolution on the Srebrenica Genocide at the UN General Assembly. Although its representatives did not attend the informal meeting where Lagumdzija spoke, they later clearly expressed opposition to Baerbock’s candidacy precisely because of that involvement.

In his speech, Lagumdzija outlined the reasons why Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly supports Baerbock. He especially emphasized the consistent commitment of German foreign policy to multilateralism, international law, and global cooperation, highlighting that Baerbock, as former Foreign Minister, played a key role in upholding these values.

"Since World War II, the most distinctive characteristic of German foreign policy has been its commitment to multilateralism, rules-based order, and respect for international law. Ms. Baerbock, as former Foreign Minister, has played a leading role in upholding these values. Active leadership of Germany, alongside Namibia, with your personal leadership Mr. President in the “Pact for the Future”, the most important document adopted by the GA since the adoption of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, exemplifies this dedication to advancing multilateral cooperation and recognition that the multilateral order must evolve with an ever-changing political environment," he said.

He also emphasized her role in "strengthening regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and supporting the European integration process of this region."

"Ms. Baerbock’s commitment to peace in the Balkans reflects her understanding of the fragility of peace, particularly in regions like ours which is scarred by the Srebrenica genocide and the war crimes that were finally sentenced by ICTY, established by the UN as indispensable part of the respect for the international law and prevention of genocide. And today, we are hearing unacceptable voices of denial of the Srebrenica genocide and promotion of war criminals," Lagumdzija said.

He stressed that Baerbock's candidacy holds particular symbolic significance, given that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the end of World War II, and that Germany, commitment to anti-fascism and promoting reconciliation, provides a strong example of dedication to peace.

He concluded by reaffirming Bosnia and Herzegovina’s full support for Annalena Baerbock’s candidacy, stating: "We salute her leadership and vision, and we look forward to the opportunity to work closely with her in advancing the goals of the General Assembly."