OC: We welcome the resolutions in Montenegro and Kosovo, July 11 is not a day for political speeches

(Patria) - At yesterday's session of the Organizational Committee for marking the 26th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in the "UN Safe Area" Srebrenica, it was determined that all preparations are proceeding according to the adopted plan, and they emphasize that this year's program is the most extensive in terms of the number of activities and events, both in Srebrenica, and in the country and the region.

"All activities planned until July 7 have been carried out without problems. The finalization of the installation of exhibition displays in the Memorial Center, which will be officially opened in the coming days, is underway. The central gathering of the March of Peace – Path of Remembrance in Nezluk is announced for today, with a planned history lesson and the organization of other educational activities. A conference on oral history will be held at the Memorial Center, and the Srebrenica Summer School, which gathers young people from the country and the region, has started its work," explained Hamdija Fejzić, chairman of the Organizational Committee.

The Organizational Committee notes that July 11 is an opportunity to once again raise the issue of those missing in the genocide in public, but also to decisively stop the policies of genocide denial.

"We welcome the resolutions adopted by the parliaments of Montenegro and Kosovo on the genocide in Srebrenica, and we emphasize that we strongly oppose any attempt to politicize these decisions and the topic of genocide in Srebrenica. In this regard, we emphasize once again that July 11 and the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide in Srebrenica will not be an occasion for political speeches, but a moment when we will all together send a message of respect for the victims of the genocide, the importance of the fight for return and the realization of the fundamental human rights of Bosniaks who have returned to eastern Bosnia, and where the whole world will stand together against the forces that deny the genocide," add the Organizational Committee.

Satisfaction was expressed regarding the implemented research work, books, and publications accompanying this year's commemoration of the Day of Remembrance of the Genocide in Srebrenica, and the marking of July 11 in Pristina, Zagreb, and Belgrade was welcomed.

"We have taken measures to ensure the protection of funeral participants, visitors to the Memorial Center, and participants of all activities from the Covid-19 virus pandemic. The commemoration will be held in two halls with 70 participants each. We express our gratitude to the medical staff and all healthcare workers who have made themselves available to contribute in this regard. May Potočari this July be a place of gathering, a place where, with our presence, prayer, and silence, we share the pain of the genocide victims. We remember every day, one day we do not forget," conclude the Organizational Committee.