Erdogan's video message: Turkey will never allow suffering to be repeated, we stand firmly with BiH

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a video message that was broadcast at today's commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. Erdogan is in Vilnius at the NATO summit.

"Today marks the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, an event recorded in history as a dark stain. On this day of grief and sorrow, I once again extend my sincere condolences to the grieving families of the martyrs and our Bosniak brothers and sisters. We keep in our thoughts the wisdom and bitter reality in the words of the late Alija: 'Whatever you do, do not forget the genocide, because a forgotten genocide repeats itself!'. So that similar atrocities are not repeated, we will never forget and we will not allow Srebrenica to be forgotten.

The wound that the genocide committed before the eyes of the whole world in Srebrenica opened in our hearts has been bleeding for 28 years. With all the martyr's funerals, we relive those days, remember them again, and shed tears again.

Today, we will lay 30 more martyrs to rest. May their souls be happy and may their place be paradise. May Allah Almighty grant paradise to all martyrs. I wish patience to the families of the martyrs and our Bosniak brothers and sisters, whose pain intensifies every July 11th.

Despite the verdicts of international courts, there are still those who deny the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who say they do not regret the war crimes they committed, and unfortunately, there are those who support them. I condemn these conscienceless people and these regrettable statements.

In order not to repeat the suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we must leave hate speech behind and establish a culture of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation. We must all work together to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans. We must not forget that the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is key to the stability of the Balkans and Europe. Turkiye will continue to do everything to turn Bosnia and Herzegovina into a nest of stability, peace, and prosperity. Respected brothers and sisters, before I conclude this address, I want to emphasize the following once again.

Compared to 28 years ago, today Turkey, with its economy, diplomacy, potential, and capabilities, is much stronger and more respected. Our country will never allow the suffering of today to be repeated. We will always support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I expect you to be calm and open-hearted. With these thoughts, at the end of this address, I ask Allah Almighty to grant His mercy to the martyrs of Srebrenica, and I bow with respect before their shadows.“