Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2015
212. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will be officially commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 2015, particularly in view of the resolution adopted in January 2009 by the European Parliament calling on all European Union member states to remember this horrific event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25365/15]
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 20th 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.
