The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said, in a message on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, that Europe shares the pain with the victims and their families, and that their fight deserves only admiration and respect.

Common duty

- It is our common duty to remember the victims of the genocide committed in Srebrenica, one of the darkest chapters in the history of modern Europe. We share the pain and in our hearts we keep the courage and strength of those who survived - emphasized Borrell in a video address during the commemoration at the Potočari Memorial Center.

Peace should never be taken for granted, he added and stressed that "we must learn from the past and work to preserve peace, dignity and universal values".

- There is no place for denial of genocide, revisionism and glorification of war criminals. There can be no reconciliation without the recognition of the crime and the facts established by the court. The mothers of Srebrenica can serve as an inspiration to us, their pursuit of truth while searching for their loved ones has become a symbol of dignity. Their desire to see a future for new generations, which will be based on repentance and forgiveness, deserves our admiration and respect - said Borrell.

EU firmly stands by BiH

He added that, while keeping Srebrenica in its heart, the European Union firmly stands by BiH and the Western Balkans.

- The EU was built as a joint peace project. We want Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the European Union, but that largely depends on the leaders of this country and their determination to listen to the people and to celebrate peace and reconciliation - emphasized Borrell in a video message during the commemoration at the Potočari Memorial Center.