Forum on Srebrenica Resolution: We wanted to show the world that Serbia's goal is genocide denial

(Patria) - A forum titled "Resolution - International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide of Srebrenica 1995" was held today in Sarajevo, organized by the Bosniak Institute – Adil Zulfikarpašić Foundation, the Foundation of Civil Society Values, the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center, and the Association "Movement of Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves".

The BiH Ambassador to the UN, Zlatko Lagumdžija, addressed the forum, stating that they had worked for months on the preparation and adoption of the Srebrenica resolution.

"We had to convince the world that Srebrenica is a global example of what must not happen and how those who do the same will be punished," said Lagumdžija, after which he touched upon the policy of Serbia led by its president, Aleksandar Vučić.

"First and foremost, we had to bring attention back to what happened in Srebrenica. That's why we started creating a group of friends from countries that participated with us ten years ago in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. At that time, a similar resolution was being drafted in the Security Council, which started in 2014. We formed a group of friends then, and in 2015, it gathered for a vote in the Security Council and ended with Russia's veto preventing its adoption. Ambassador Čolaković, who led that project, is sitting here," said Lagumdžija.

He noted that the structure of our country presented a particular obstacle, and they had to face those problems.

"The public is aware that Serbia and Russia, and in the final phase, China, became involved in an unbelievable way, in a capacity that many described as unprecedented. Such a machinery was set in motion worldwide, diplomatically and in every other way. The Resolution was first postponed, and then blocked. We had a diplomatically and otherwise strong opponent against us, so we couldn't approach this whole endeavor in the way other organized countries do. We know that we have parts of the structures in BiH that are against the true naming of the Srebrenica genocide; their denial indicates that they are actually trying to create ground to somehow absolve the crime in Srebrenica, so that they can repeat it," Lagumdžija emphasized.

He stated that none of this would have been possible without "one member of the Presidency, then another, then the Minister of Foreign Affairs" (Denis Bećirović, Željko Komšić, and Elmedin Konaković), and that in his career, he had not encountered a bigger or more complex problem.

"In April 2023, we knew it would be 2024. We deliberately set the vote for the end of May. To gain time, to open discussions with key countries. We also gave time to those who wanted Serbia to have a chance. And we wanted Serbia to show that it does not want to engage and that its only goal is denial. We deliberately extended the timeline," explained the BiH Ambassador to the UN.

The Resolution, among other things, emphasizes that July 11th will be declared the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide of Srebrenica 1995, which will be observed annually, starting this year on July 11th. Furthermore, it unequivocally condemns any denial of the Srebrenica genocide; calls for the development of appropriate programs within educational systems to prevent the recurrence of genocide in the future; and encourages the process of building sustainable peace, justice, truth, and reconciliation.

A letter from Denis Bećirović, who is abroad on an official trip, was read at today's forum.

He emphasized that the Resolution has global significance as it encourages educational systems to function in the prevention of genocide. In his message, he added that the Resolution encourages UN member states to adopt curricula and educational programs based on which future generations will be educated about the prevention and consequences of genocide. Education is the foundation for shaping conscious citizens, ready to oppose ideologies that lead to genocide.

"Srebrenica is our painful wound that reminds us all of the horrific atrocities humanity can experience. By remembering Srebrenica, we commit ourselves to always defend truth, justice, and human dignity, especially for the most vulnerable among us, our children. The Resolution on the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide of Srebrenica 1995 is an important civilizational step forward in the fight for truth and justice," Bećirović conveyed.

The forum was attended by members of the academic community, the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH Husein ef. Kavazović, and genocide survivors...