Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
509. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, considering that 2015 marks the twentieth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 11 July 2015 is designated as the memorial day, his Department will formally recognise the genocide and formally mark its twentieth anniversary. [24969/15]
View answerThe appalling events at Srebrenica in 1995 have been recognised as genocide by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. This has been widely accepted by the international community. Ireland has, in the past, joined with our EU partners to condemn any attempts to minimise or deny the genocide which took place at Srebrenica. As we approach the 20 anniversary of this terrible atrocity, we remember the 8,000 victims there, and they will be commemorated at solemn ceremonies on 11 July. The principal commemoration will take place in Srebrenica, and Ireland will be represented along with other members of the international community who will gather together in a spirit of remembrance and reconciliation. The European Union was founded on the principles of peace and justice, and Ireland remains committed to supporting a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for the people of Bosnian and Herzegovina and the wider region. We continue to encourage them on their European path, and to help them overcome the legacy of recent conflicts.
