President Erdogan vows to keep Srebrenica memory alive on July 11, seeks justice for Gaza
President Erdogan commemorates the 29th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, emphasizing the need for justice and remembrance (AA Photos)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a video message to the “29th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the Srebrenica Genocide” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying: “We will neither forget nor let Srebrenica be forgotten to prevent a similar atrocity from happening anywhere else in the world.”
The perpetrators of the barbarity in Gaza, like those in Srebrenica, will be held accountable under international law, eventually.
Türkiye will continue to do its utmost for justice to prevail and for the perpetrators of the massacre to be held accountable.”
President Erdogan acknowledged the 29th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, a dark stain in human history, conveying condolences to the mourning families of the martyrs and the entire Bosniak people on this somber day.
Highlighting the wisdom and bitter truth in the words of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first President and statesman, Alija Izetbegovic, Erdogan emphasized: “In order to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring anywhere else in the world, we will not forget or let Srebrenica be forgotten. May the souls of our martyrs rest in peace. May God bless them in His heaven.”
Emphasis on Gaza
Erdogan pointed out that the pain of those who lost their loved ones in Srebrenica remains fresh, expressing sympathy to the families of the martyrs and the Bosniak people every July 11.
President Erdogan recalled that Türkiye co-sponsored the resolution declaring July 11th as the “International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide,” which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on May 23rd.
“We believe this resolution should serve as a lesson to ensure that darkness similar to the Srebrenica genocide is never repeated anywhere in the world. However, today in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, nearly 40,000 innocent people, including 16,000 children, are being killed, and international institutions and organizations are simply watching as they did 29 years ago,” he noted.
“As humanity, we are undergoing a test of sincerity and humanity. I want it to be known that the perpetrators of the barbarity in Gaza, just like in Srebrenica, will be held accountable under international law sooner or later. Türkiye will continue to do its utmost for justice to prevail and for the perpetrators of the massacre to be held accountable,” he added.
‘All forms of hate speech should be left behind’
Erdogan emphasized that they resent those who still deny the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina and glorify war criminals despite international court decisions.
He said they also closely follow the attacks and harassment against people returning to their homes after the war.
He said local authorities must fulfill their responsibilities to ensure every citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina feels safe where they live, regardless of their ethnic background. He also said efforts to completely put an end to all kinds of hate speech and to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation should be sought to preserve permanent peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Erdogan stated it is his sincere desire for an internal reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina that includes all segments, emphasizing that no one can gain from conflict and tension.
Erdogan underlined that Türkiye will continue to do its part to turn Bosnia and Herzegovina into a zone of stability, peace and prosperity and reiterated its unconditional support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, political unity and sovereignty.
“I expect you to keep your hearts comfortable. I wish God’s mercy to Srebrenica’s martyrs once again and bow before their memories respectfully,” he added.
