Prime Minister Andrej Plenković took part in the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in the "UN Safe Zone" in Srebrenica at the Potočari Memorial Center.
After the introductory greetings, we present the speech of the Prime Minister in its entirety:
"I address you with deep respect, sadness and compassion, on the occasion of the 30
th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, the most terrible crime committed on European soil since World War II.
Thirty years have passed since the day when more than eight thousand men and boys were brutally murdered, simply because they were Bosniaks, their families were forever destroyed, and human trust was deeply wounded.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, I express my sincere condolences and sympathy, especially to you, the families of the victims, whose pain is immeasurable.
Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were victims of the aggression of the Milošević regime, and many of our towns and villages experienced serious crimes, destruction and victims.
Thousands of Croatian families mourned their loved ones.
Like you here now in Srebrenica, we are still searching for 1,744 missing persons, and their fate remains an open wound in our society.
That is why we look with deep respect to those of you who remained - mothers, families, survivors - and who have been carrying the painful silence of loss for three decades, but also the noble strength of memory and dignity.
Srebrenica is more than a place of suffering, it is a symbol of warning.
Here, evil reached its ultimate, genocidal form.
Here, international mechanisms and the fundamental principles of humanity failed.
Today, when we once again witness wars, the suffering of civilians and the collapse of the legal order in Europe and the world, we feel even more strongly how fragile and precious peace is.
Srebrenica permanently obliges us to be guardians of the truth, so that crimes never go unpunished and that no victim is forgotten.
The memory of Srebrenica is a universal message that a similar crime must never happen again.
It is our common duty to promote mutual respect, dialogue and humanity, regardless of national identity, religion or ideological beliefs.
Real and true reconciliation can only be built on truth, justice and honesty.
Looking ahead, Croatia sincerely wishes to see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a full member of the European Union and strongly supports all your efforts in that direction.
With faith in peace and a shared future, we pay tribute today to all the victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
May all the innocent rest in peace!”
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