The Unite States Secretary of State , released a press statement in memory for those that lost their lives in the Srebrenica genocide.
Full statement reproduced below.
On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I join the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina today in honouring the memory of those lost in the horrific act of genocide in Srebrenica in July 1995, which stole the lives of 8000 innocent people.
As we know from history, truth and reconciliation are essential to moving beyond the past towards a better tomorrow.
We applaud those who continue to seek justice for victims and work to ensure that all citizens have the right to return and to live peaceful in their pre-war homes.
We reject efforts to rewrite or manipulate history, deny the genocide or negate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s multi-ethnic character.
We must always challenge falsehood, we must combat it, and we must counter it with truth, wisdom and compassion.
The fragility of a just society means that we have an obligation to be eternally watchful against the forces arrayed against it.
Even as we seek justice for those who have been lost, we must also pay tribute to their memories by promoting a legacy of tolerance and mutual understanding for generation yet to come.
We call upon all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build bridges between communities and to work together towards full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.
On July 11th, we stand by you in mourning, and we stand by you every day focused on building a stronger future.
