Former US Vice President Joe Biden has issued a statement to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
He slammed those denying the genocide, and calls for commitment to guarantee Bosnia-Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character.
Biden promised to focus his work on holding accountable those who have committed war crimes, and on reconciliation in southeastern Europe if he is elected President.
Two days ago, Biden issued a statement in support of a Kosovo-Serbia dialogue that should result in mutual recognition.
Biden’s statement in full:
July 11, 2020
Statement by Vice President Joe Biden on the 25th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide
Today, Jill and I join people of all faiths in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world in mourning the loss of more than 8,000 innocent Bosniak victims of the Srebrenica genocide. This act of savagery took place a quarter-century ago, but those who counted a loved one among the victims, on days like this, the pain of their loss can still feel as fresh today as it was 25 years ago. We honor the memory of the victims and stand with their families, both in their grief and in their continuing demand for justice.
The genocide of Srebrenica, the largest massacre in Europe in a half-century, was part of a wider campaign to destroy Bosnia-Herzegovina as a multi-ethnic state. On this anniversary, we must do more than just remember. We must recommit to always stand against hate and to reaffirm support for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character.
The Srebrenica genocide has been extensively documented and proven. To deny these crimes and this genocide is a moral offense that insults our highest values and demeans the gravity of what took place. Only by fully confronting the past can the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina achieve true and lasting reconciliations.
Just as I have done throughout my career, I will continue to demand that justice is done for the victims in Srebrenica. All those who carried out war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be held accountable.
If I am elected President, I will make the pursuit of justice and reconciliation in southeastern Europe a priority, and work in partnership to help the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfill their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
