Lagumdžija at UN Security Council: Justice does not end with verdicts, the Srebrenica genocide was and remains genocide

(Patria) - BiH's Permanent Representative to the UN, Zlatko Lagumdžija, addressed the UN Security Council in New York tonight, within the framework of the semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts (IRMCT).

Lagumdžija once again emphasized the importance of the IRMCT's work in achieving justice for the victims of war crimes and genocide in BiH, strongly condemning the continuous denial of the Srebrenica genocide and the glorification of war criminals.

He stressed that justice does not end with the delivery of final verdicts.

- The Srebrenica genocide was and remains genocide, as confirmed by the verdicts of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Unfortunately, in Serbia, genocide is called "events in Srebrenica," which is unacceptable. War criminals are celebrated, while victims and their families are humiliated - said Lagumdžija.

He pointed out that fugitives accused of genocide and war crimes enjoy protection and freedom in Serbia, instead of being brought to justice, adding that reconciliation requires justice and recognition, and that Serbia missed the opportunity to show sincere commitment to good neighborly relations and confronting the past.

He praised the Mechanism's work and supported its continuation, especially regarding international cooperation. He also said that regional cooperation in prosecuting war crimes is key to achieving justice.

During his address, he also referred to the statements of convicted war criminal Radislav Krstić, which, according to him, caused shameful silence and ignorance in Serbia. Lagumdžija believes that Serbia did not seize the opportunity to honestly confront its own past.

- Denial, glorification, and lack of remorse continue to kill, not with weapons, but with words - emphasizes Lagumdžija.

Finally, he called for the continuation of the Mechanism's work and further international support, concluding that justice and reconciliation are not only obligations to the past but also the foundation of healthy relations and trust in the future.