Erdogan: We will not forget Srebrenica and we will not allow it to be forgotten!

(Patria) - We will not forget Srebrenica and we will not allow it to be forgotten, so that a similar crime is not repeated anywhere in the world, said the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan sent a video message that was broadcast at today's commemoration marking the 29th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica.

At the very beginning of his address, Erdogan offered prayers for the souls of the victims, as well as condolences to their families.

He noted that the Srebrenica genocide left a black stain on the history of humanity.

- We never forget the wisdom and bitter truth in the words of the late Alija Izetbegović, the first president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a great statesman with great ideas and movements, who said: 'Whatever we do, do not forget the genocide, because a forgotten genocide will be repeated!', said the Turkish president.

Stressing that they will never forget Srebrenica and will not allow it to be forgotten so that a similar crime is not repeated anywhere in the world, Erdogan said he prays to God to grant patience to the families of the martyrs and their Bosniak brothers and sisters who relive the pain every July 11.

- As you know, the draft resolution declaring July 11 as the 'International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide', of which Turkey was one of the co-sponsors, was adopted at the United Nations General Assembly on May 23. I thank everyone who contributed at all stages of this decision, from its preparation to its adoption.

We believe that this decision should serve as an example so that darkness similar to the Srebrenica genocide is not repeated anywhere in the world, Erdogan emphasized. He noted that the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories are today exposed to similar crimes as those experienced in Srebrenica 29 years ago.

- International institutions and organizations are merely watching the killing of about 40 thousand innocent people, including 16 thousand children, just as they did 29 years ago, said President Erdogan.

He stressed that the entire world is undergoing a test of humanity and sincerity, and added: Those responsible for the barbarism in Gaza will sooner or later answer before international law, just as in Srebrenica. Turkey will continue to do its utmost to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators of genocide are held accountable. Expressing regret over the existence of those who still deny the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina and glorify war criminals, despite the verdicts of international courts, Erdogan said they are following with concern the attacks and harassment of people who returned to their homes after the war.

- We expect local authorities to do their part so that every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of ethnicity, feels safe where they live. In order to maintain lasting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, all forms of hate speech must be completely abandoned; we must seek ways to spread a culture of peace, tolerance and reconciliation.

It is our sincere wish that an internal consensus encompassing all segments prevails in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Everyone should keep in mind that no one will benefit from conflict and tension. Turkey will continue to do its utmost to bring about the transformation of Bosnia and Herzegovina into a place of stability, peace and prosperity.

We will always continue to provide our unconditional support for the territorial integrity, political unity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We wish your hearts to feel at peace. Concluding my words with these thoughts, I once again wish God's mercy upon our martyrs of Srebrenica and respectfully bow in their memory. Allah'ismarladik, concluded the Turkish president.