In the video message he sent to the memorial ceremony held for the 26th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye, as it did yesterday, would continue to stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina and its Bosnian brothers and sisters today and tomorrow.
President Erdoğan sent a video message to the memorial ceremony held in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 26th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
Starting his speech by greeting the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Erdoğan stated that they came together to commemorate the Srebrenica genocide and share the unceasing pain in their hearts.
Commemorating the martyrs with mercy and wishing patience to their grieving families, President Erdoğan noted that the wounds Srebrenica opened in our hearts continued to bleed although 26 years had passed, and every grave unearthed, and every martyr sent to his eternal resting place reminded us of those days as witnesses of 26 years ago.
"We will never let this black mark in the history of Europe and humanity be pushed into the background"
Stating that "We will not forget this genocide or let it be forgotten by considering your pain as our own, by protecting the heritage of Alija Izetbegovic", President Erdoğan continued his remarks:
"We will never, under any circumstances, let the genocide, which is a black mark in the history of Europe and humanity, be pushed into the background. Surely, the international court decree issued last month against war criminal Ratko Mladic cannot alleviate the sufferings of the genocide. The court decrees can neither bring back the lives lost nor can soothe the sufferings caused by the tragedy in the hearts. However, these decrees and quasi-decisions taken for the manifestation of justice may play a role in preventing the crime of genocide from being committed once again. Serving justice is a moral obligation to the victims of this tragedy in the heart of Europe and relatives of martyrs left behind. In this regard, we must strive for the future of our children, without forgetting the past or allowing our emotions to take over our minds. Now, I call on all politicians to unite around common values of humanity by opposing all hateful, violent and discriminatory rhetoric."
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining internal peace and tranquillity for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which harbours different beliefs, cultures and ethnicities, President Erdoğan said, "The stability of each region in the country is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is essential for all Europe, especially the Balkans. Bearing the burden of this responsibility entrusted to us by history and making peace permanent on these lands are our common duties.”
“Türkiye stands with Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as its Bosnian brothers and sisters”
President Erdoğan stated, “Türkiye, as it did yesterday, will continue to stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as its Bosnian brothers and sisters, today and tomorrow. As I conclude my address with these thoughts, I once again pray for Allah’s mercy upon our martyrs. I wish we never have to go through such a painful experience again, I greet you all with respect. May Allah be with you.”