Von der Leyen: We Reject Denial, Distortion or Minimisation of the Srebrenica Genocide, as well as Glorification of War Criminals

(Patria) - On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, European Commission President von der Leyen stressed that some events in history cast a shadow that remains present through generations.

"The Srebrenica genocide is one of the darkest chapters in Europe's collective memory.

Thirty years have passed since these crimes. Today, I want to pay tribute to the murdered Bosniak boys and men, 8,300 of them, as well as to those who are still listed as missing. With the dignified burials of some of the last victims of Srebrenica, I also express my respect for the mothers, wives and daughters whose grief does not cease and who have been bearing the burden of loss for three decades.

It is our duty to remember and preserve the truth, so that future generations know exactly what happened.

They must know that in the summer of 1995, victims were systematically executed and buried in mass graves within the UN 'safe area' of Srebrenica. A town where they believed they would be protected in the brutal war that ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union will never forget what happened in this town.

We do not run away from our past and our responsibility for the failure to prevent and stop the genocide. We will never allow another version of history to be written," von der Leyen said.

She stressed that the EC firmly rejects and condemns any denial, distortion or minimisation of the Srebrenica genocide, as well as the glorification of war criminals.

"Political leaders have a great responsibility in this regard, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the Western Balkans.

They must set an example for others in acknowledging established facts and sincerely paying tribute to the victims. And they must actively work on reconciliation by confronting the roots of hatred that led to these crimes.

That is the only path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

Finally, I want to send a message to everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The European Union is with you. We remain fully committed to supporting your country on its path towards European Union membership. Your political leaders need to do their part of the homework so that your country can find its place in the heart of our Union, where it belongs," von der Leyen stated.