As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council
Vienna, July 17, 2014
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairperson.
July 11th was the 19th anniversary of genocide in Srebrenica. It is a somber reminder of the lasting impact of this tragedy and the ongoing efforts to bring closure to the families and friends of victims.
At this time, I want to reiterate Secretary Kerry’s statement on the 19th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide:
“This day is about more than keeping alive the memory of the 8,000 men and boys who were savagely murdered in Srebrenica on July 11, 1995. It is about recommitting ourselves to a cause of conscience and conviction – and to say loudly and clearly, “no more, never again.”
The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina is over, but our cause for action now is the same: all of us have a responsibility to bear witness to atrocity. Working with the global community, the United States will steadfastly oppose policies of hate and discrimination anywhere and everywhere they rear their heads. We will work for the day when such policies never again lead to the bloodshed and human misery that shocked the conscience of the world in Srebrenica.
The United States is committed to ensuring justice for those who died. With each passing year, we are inspired by the family members of the victims as they find the courage to heal the wounds of the past and rebuild their communities.
Today of all days, we honor the victims. We draw strength from their courage, and we remember the responsibility that we all share to work for tolerance, peace, and understanding this day and every day the world over.”
Mr. Chairman, as we join Bosnia and Herzegovina in remembering these victims, I also take the opportunity to call on the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet their responsibility to secure a more peaceful and prosperous future for their citizens, including by adopting political and economic reforms necessary to advance their euro-atlantic integration.
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
