Inzko: Truth and justice are the only path to reconciliation for all

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The High Representative of the international community in BiH, Valentin Inzko, called on all sides in BiH to accept the verdict of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which today delivered the final judgment in the case against Jadranko Prlić, Bruno Stojić, Slobodan Praljak, Milivoj Petković, Valentin Ćorić and Berislav Pušić.

- The crimes committed by the individuals convicted today caused pain and suffering to many in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for many of them, a tragic chapter has been closed. Given that a final verdict has been reached in this case, we must bear in mind that these were the deeds of individuals, not of peoples, and that each of us should be judged only by our actions, not by our nationality - said High Representative Inzko.

Inzko took the opportunity to once again call on everyone in BiH to accept this final verdict and move forward on the path of reconciliation.

- Truth and justice are the only way forward, and at the same time the only path to genuine reconciliation and a better future. The way Germany dealt with its past – sincerely and energetically – is precisely why that country has advanced so dramatically and earned the respect of the entire world. To achieve the same, this verdict, as well as others delivered by the ICTY, must be fully respected and must not be politicized - said the High Representative for BiH.

He added that the verdict should also be seen as a turning point towards a better future.

- Justice and truth may be slow, but now that they have been achieved, let us pay tribute to the victims and let them rest in peace - concluded High Representative Valentin Inzko.