Turkish President Erdogan honors victims of Srebrenica genocide on 28th anniversary

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye’s president on Tuesday commemorated the anniversary of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, expressing his condolences and sharing grief over the loss of the victims.

In a video message sent to a memorial ceremony in Bosnia to mark the massacre's 28th anniversary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "On this day of mourning, I once again extend my deepest condolences to the grieving families of our martyrs and all Bosniak brothers and sisters."

"I pray for mercy from God for our martyrs of Srebrenica and respectfully bow before their honorable memories."

He cited a statement by the late Alija Izetbegovic, the founding president of independent Bosnia and Herzegovina: "Whatever you do, don't forget the genocide. Because a genocide forgotten will be one repeated."

"We will never forget and never let Srebrenica be forgotten, in order to prevent similar atrocities from happening again," said Erdogan.

"The wound in our hearts caused by the genocide committed in Srebrenica continues to bleed for 28 years in front of the world."

He added that despite the decisions of international courts, there are still those who deny the genocide in Bosnia, who say they have no remorse for the war crimes they committed.

"Unfortunately, there are supporters of these individuals. I curse these heartless people and their unfortunate statements."

He stressed the need to leave behind hate speech and establish a culture of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation to prevent any repetition of the tragedy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He added that it is necessary to work together to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans.

"It should not be forgotten that the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for the stability of the Balkans and Europe."

Türkiye is a much stronger country with a stronger profile, economy, diplomacy, capabilities, and opportunities compared to 28 years ago, Erdogan said.

"Türkiye will continue to do its part for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a zone of stability, peace, and prosperity," he said.

More than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed after Bosnian Serb forces attacked the UN "safe area" of Srebrenica in July 1995. Serb troops led by Gen. Ratko Mladic – later sentenced to life in prison for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide – occupied the area. The bodies of the genocide victims were found in 570 different parts of the country.