SREBRENICA CANNOT BE MINIMIZED, DISMISSED OR DENIED

"The horror of the genocide that occurred in and around Srebrenica cannot be minimized, dismissed or denied."

- U.S. Ambassador to BiH Patrick S. Moon

My first priority in Srebrenica is to pay my respects to the victims of the 1995 genocide and once again demonstrate the continued support and commitment of the United States to Srebrenica and all of its citizens.

It is very difficult to find the right words after seeing over 4,500 graves and knowing that more than 8,000 people were brutally killed.

Nevertheless, it is important to talk about July 1995, because the horror of the genocide that occurred in and around Srebrenica cannot be minimized, dismissed or denied.

We all bear responsibility for ensuring that justice is served and that victims are buried with respect and dignity and that families find their missing ones.

To make these goals a reality, we all have to work hard and take our part of the responsibility. Many problems remain. Ratko Mladic is still at large. The processing of war crimes cases across the country remains slows, due to their complexity, the lack of resources, and, sometimes, interest.

There is, in short, much more work to do before we can declare that justice is served to its fullest extent.

I want to say that the United States is dedicated to that mission. The presence of the U.S. Presidential delegation at this year’s commemoration in Potocari attests to the nature and depth of the U.S. commitment.

My Embassy and I will continue with our efforts to ensure that justice is served, that those responsible are held accountable, and that families have closure. We will continue with our efforts to help Srebrenica become a prosperous city that provides opportunities to all of its citizens, a city that transcends a dark past with a bright future.

Courtesy: Embassy of the United States in Bosnia and Herzegovina