Croatian leaders offer their condolences on the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

The 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide was marked in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday. In July of 1995 Bosnian Serbs killed more than eight thousand Bosnian Muslims, mostly men and boys. More than 900 people remain missing. All of this happened under the supposed protection of international forces, as the United Nations had declared Srebrenica a protected enclave.

Thousands of people travelled to the memorial center in Potočari today for the central commemoration, where the remains of ten newly identified victims were laid to rest at the Potočari Memorial Center. Kada Hotić from the Mothers of Srebrenica Association: "Many mothers picked up the parts of their children in their laps, and buried them somewhere in these forests with no grave marker for them. I don't believe that everyone who was killed has been listed in the register. We couldn't defend ourselves. We tried, but without weapons. We had no physical or telephone contact with the central office, with Sarajevo. We were completely cut off."

"Every victim had a name, a family, a life, and a future that were taken away. Today, we pay our respects to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. We share the pain of their families, whose loss can never be replaced," added American diplomat Louis J. Crishock, who is the new acting High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With this year's burials, the number of genocide victims interred at the Potočari Memorial Cemetery has risen to 6,782. Another 250 victims have been laid to rest in local cemeteries, in accordance with the wishes of their families. For the genocide and other crimes committed in Srebrenica, 54 people have been sentenced to a combined 781 years in prison, including five life sentences.

Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković offered their condolences to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide via social media today. Prime Minister Plenković made the following post on "X":

"Today, when we remember with deep reverence all the victims of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica and sympathize with the suffering and pain of their families, we once again clearly and unequivocally condemn this horrific crime. The victims of Srebrenica remain permanently inscribed in our consciousness as a warning, but also as a permanent call for humanity, reason and respect to overcome all divisions. Croatia remains strongly committed to peace, stability and Bosnia and Herzegovina's European future, in which dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation will be the foundation of its progress."

President Milanović posted this statement on Facebook:

"On this day, on the occasion of the 31st anniversary, I pay my deepest respect to all the innocent victims in Srebrenica and express my deep sympathy to their families. Preserving the historical truth and the permanent condemnation of the policy of crimes remain our duty and the foundation of long-term peace. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution has made a key contribution to this, guaranteeing that the memory of the Srebrenica victims will be permanently preserved."

Commemorative marches were held in cities throughout Croatia to honor the Srebrenica victims.

Source: HRT