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July 12, 2005
Embassy of the United States of America
Belgrade
Remarks by Ambassador Pierre Richard Prosper at the 10th. Anniversary
Commemoration,
Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 11,2005
President Tihić, Reis Effendi, Excellencies, honored guests and survivors,
it is with deep reflection that I come here today with Ambassadors Richard
Holbrooke and Douglas McElhaney on behalf of President Bush and all Americans
to join this moment of remembrance and mourning. This presidential delegation
represents America’s longstanding commitment and determination to stand with
Bosnia and Herzegovina as it moves into the future.
A great evil happened here in Srebrenica. Those who lived through it, and
we who witnessed it, continue to struggle to understand how such a thing could
take place when it did, how it did, and where it did. As we gather here to
remember the plight of the victims and recall those who stood, as brave as
their emotions would allow, on these grounds now hallowed by the blood of thousands,
we recognize as President Bush has said, that “every man and woman on this
earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value.”
Today we come not to celebrate but to remember and recommit ourselves to improving
the lives of all. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made tremendous strides since
the parties came together, with the vital help of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke
and others, to conclude the Dayton Agreement. But the work started then is
not yet done.
On this day of remembrance, it is incumbent upon all of us to recognize that
the evil responsible for what took place here still lurks in these hills and
must be dispelled. There are some who still have not accepted the wrongs of
the past or the fact that people can and should live together in tranquility
and equality. There are some who continue to turn the other way with the hope
of erasing the memory. And there are some who run from the responsibility they
have and hide from their obligation. But if we are truly to put this behind
us once and for all, then action is required by government and citizens alike.
Only action leading to a full and honest accounting will lead to the foundation
of reconciliation on which the future will be built.
As I said in Banja Luka before the Republika Srpska national assembly over
a year ago: the provisions of the Dayton Agreement, which is the foundation
for peace, must be achieved. Officials do not have the luxury of picking and
choosing what to implement. Nowhere is this more evident and important than
in bringing to justice the remaining fugitives, particularly Radovan Karadzic
and Ratko Mladic. Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Republika Srpska, and
Serbia and Montenegro have this solemn duty. And Croatia has this duty with
Ante Gotovina.
There can be no mistake. These men are not heroes and do not represent the
interests of this country. They are stealing your future. And you, the elected
leaders of the region, must find the courage to act firmly, aggressively and
overtly to apprehended them, or convince them to turn themselves in so that
we put these issues truly into the past.
This delegation represents America’s longstanding commitment to Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The United States gives its solemn pledge to continue to work
for peace, justice, and truth. We pledge to continue to work with the people
of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region to see a better tomorrow. It is our
goal to see you become full members of the Euro-Atlantic community and to see
a secure and prosperous Balkans region.
President Bush sends his heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you, the people
of Srebrenica and those of the Balkans region. Before I left, he gave me a
statement and asked me to deliver it to you today:
Statement of President George W. Bush:
On July 11, we pause to remember the tragic loss of lives in Srebrenica ten
years ago. The mass murder of nearly eight thousand men and boys was Europe’s
worst massacre of civilians since World War II and a grim reminder that there
are evil people who will kill the innocent without conscience or mercy. This
horrific event remains a source of pain for people in the Balkan region and
for all those who believe in freedom and the dignity of human life. I join
all Americans in sending our deepest condolences and expressions of sympathy
on this solemn occasion.
The United States supports the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the families
of those who suffered as they commemorate this terrible chapter in history.
We grieve for their loss and applaud the strength and courage of those who
have returned to Srebrenica to rebuild their lives. We also remain committed
to ensuring that those responsible for these crimes face justice, most notably
Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic.
I appreciate all the individuals who are advancing reconciliation and a strong
European future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. A modern and democratic Balkan
region is an essential element in a Europe that is unified, free, and at peace.
As we work to make the world more peaceful, we share a common faith in the
value of freedom, the sanctity of life, and the triumph of good over evil.
May God bless the people of the Balkan region.
[signed George W. Bush]
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