Meeting representatives of the Srebrenica families’ associations in
The High Representative emphasised that exposing the truth behind all war crimes is a major part of fostering peace and reconciliation in
The High Representative expressed his full support for the work of the Srebrenica Foundation Board, and he called on the families’ associations to present their ideas on the future structure of the Foundation, urging them to lobby with all levels of government to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
The High Representative also made it clear that the burden of effort must not be laid entirely on the shoulders of those directly affected by the events of July 1995. “BiH’s institutions must take responsibility for supporting the survivors of the Srebrenica Massacre,” he said. “Dealing with those terrible events is not just for those who suffered — the Municipal, Entity and State Governments must step forward and take up their responsibility for making progress in Srebrenica.” He said it was “incumbent on the competent authorities not just to deal with the aftermath of the terrible events that took place in and around Srebrenica but to give their full support to those who have chosen to return to their area.”
The High Representative undertook to visit the Srebrenica and the Potocari Memorial site, where he will meet with representatives of the families again. “When I visit at the end of this month I will want to learn more about the problems faced by returnees and what the local authorities responsible are doing to resolve them,” the High Representative said.