Bećirović: Resolution on Srebrenica one of BiH's most important victories in the 21st century

(Patria) - This is one of the most important diplomatic and political victories for BiH in the 21st century, stated the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović today, addressing a press conference in Sarajevo.

- Compared to the incomparably larger diplomacy of Russia, Serbia, and other countries, we were in a completely unequal position, but in cooperation with our allies, we won - said Bećirović upon returning from New York, where the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica yesterday.

Bećirović believes that the Resolution on Srebrenica represents a small satisfaction for the families of the genocide victims, and notes that we should be dignified and measured in our statements, and not gloat or celebrate this great diplomatic success.

He reiterated what we have heard countless times before - the Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica is not directed against any nation, but represents a new chance for catharsis and an opportunity to come to terms with convicted war criminals.

He expressed words of thanks to friends and countries that helped the Resolution to be adopted, and then commented on the voting results, saying they were above his expectations, considering the strong diplomatic "machinery" our country faced.

- It is a great and convincing victory - 84 votes for and 19 against - believes Bećirović, adding that 68 abstentions do not negate the rulings of United Nations courts.

He explained that many ambassadors from these abstaining countries directly told him that they acknowledge the genocide in Srebrenica. And they too, Bećirović assures, will mark July 11th as the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica.


Photo: Patria

He assesses that abstentions are always support for the majority, not the minority, and notes - if the abstaining countries had intended to defeat the Resolution, they would have voted against it.

He appealed not to fall for propaganda and not to make enemies of those with whom Bosnia and Herzegovina can and should cooperate.

He stated that the text of the adopted Resolution on the Genocide in Srebrenica cannot be objectionable to any democratic and civilized country in the world.

Speaking about the process of drafting this text, he stated that it was one of the most complex projects that involved numerous activities.

Bećirović points out that for this purpose he had hundreds of meetings with presidents, ambassadors, prime ministers, and ministers, and that there is almost no country with which he has not had some form of communication.

He emphasized that the Resolution does not mention Serbia in any word, adding that he wishes for BiH to develop good relations, mutual respect, and appreciation with Serbia.

- It is time for the president of neighboring Serbia to understand that he is the president of Serbia, not of Serbs. We do not need medieval logic but respect for international law.

Inclusivity, economic growth, regional cooperation, and Euro-Atlantic integration should be BiH's direction in the coming years - concluded the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović in his address.