Bećirović at UN Headquarters: We are not seeking revenge, we are seeking truth and justice

(Patria) - The International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica was marked today for the first time under the auspices of the UN in the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, addressed the world public from the UN podium with a speech that clearly articulated key messages about truth, justice, and the need for genocide to never be forgotten or repeated.

He emphasized that he speaks not only as a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also as a human being who shares the pain of the victims and the people against whom the only genocide in Europe after World War II was committed.

- I speak on behalf of those who seek the truth. I speak on behalf of those who, despite all the suffering and injustices, do not hate and do not call for revenge.

I speak on behalf of those who love a proud and unconquered Bosnia and Herzegovina. I speak and advocate for justice, peace, and reconciliation based on truth - said Bećirović.

He sharply criticized Serbian officials for denying the verdicts of international courts.

- Unfortunately, the leadership of neighboring Serbia continues to deny final verdicts of UN courts. It is absurd that a member state of this international organization denies the verdicts of UN courts. It is illogical, immoral, and unacceptable - Bećirović emphasized.

He also stated that the Serbian leadership does not want to face the truth and reject the ideology that led to genocide.

He added that they do not distance themselves from convicted war criminals but try to make heroes out of them.

Bećirović also said that Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for reason and truth in this context.

- The dignity and honor of every nation are preserved by the policy of condemning war criminals. We do not equate war criminals with an entire nation. We respect neighboring Serbia and its citizens. We want peace and equal cooperation - Bećirović stressed.

Speaking about the country's future, he said that despite the aggression and joint criminal enterprises, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a future.

- I am convinced that, with the support of our friends around the world, we can build a modern, democratic, and prosperous state. We are not seeking revenge. We are seeking truth and justice - Bećirović emphasized.

He also stated that there is a civilizational obligation to bear witness to the truth and to stand on the side of victims and justice, not war criminals and injustice.

- To be those who build a culture of remembrance, not forgetting. Our greatest strength is truth. Our deepest inspiration is future generations to whom we must leave a secure BiH. Our most important allies are states and people who believe in peace and justice - he underlined in his speech.

He called for the reconstruction of Srebrenica and the restoration of dignity to that area.

- Let us show determination and strength to bring life back to Srebrenica and this part of BiH. Let Srebrenica be a place of life and future. Let justice be born from the struggle for truth. Let genocide never happen again, anywhere, to anyone - Denis Bećirović concluded in his address.