Slovenian President pays tribute to victims of Srebrenica genocide in Potočari

At the commemoration, President Nataša Pirc Musar stressed the importance of preserving the historical memory of the Srebrenica genocide and the vital role of educating young people: "When silence turns into prayer and grieving becomes a duty, then we understand that we must never allow history to sink into oblivion. It is sad that even three decades later, we witness genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals. We cannot and must not accept that. Especially not in Europe." She also underlined that victims of genocide must not remain a mere statistical figure or historical footnote: "Victims stand on the side of truth. And we will always be on their side – because we are European. And because we are human." She also expressed respect for the Mothers of Srebrenica who, according to the president, "have spent the last three decades reminding the world that the truth cannot and must not be swept under the carpet of history".

With a clear and consistent foreign policy, Slovenia is taking the side of truth, justice and dignity for all genocide victims and will continue to strive for the observance of court judgments and the remembrance of victims.

The day before the commemoration, President Pirc Musar met in Sarajevo with the Chairwoman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, and the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Husein ef. Kavazović. She expressed support for the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and assured everyone that Slovenia remains committed to stability in the region and will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to European integration.

President Pirc Musar will conclude her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina tomorrow at Camp Butmir, Sarajevo, where she will meet the members of the 51st Contingent of the Slovenian Armed Forces. As Commander-in-Chief, she will highlight the Slovenian soldiers’ important role in ensuring security and stability as part of the military mission EUROFOR ALTHEA and under NATO’s command in Sarajevo.