Attempts to demonize the Serb people in the context of events in Srebrenica are absolutely unacceptable, stated Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a weekly briefing.
Zakharova emphasized that Russia believes in the importance of honoring all innocent victims of the conflict with dignity, while taking into account the particular sensitivity of the issue for the peoples living in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries—a point Moscow has repeatedly raised in various forums.
“We view the policy of certain political and religious circles, supported by the collective West, aimed at establishing a biased, one-sided, and dangerous interpretation of the events of 1995, as counterproductive and harmful to the reconciliation process. We consider the attempts to demonize the Serb people absolutely unacceptable,” Zakharova stated.
“In that context, the declaration of July 11 as the International Day of Reflection on the so-called ‘Genocide’ in Srebrenica—adopted this May through an openly anti-Serb resolution of the UN General Assembly—is deeply concerning,” she added.
Zakharova warned that this is yet another irresponsible attempt by forces with aggressive geopolitical agendas to deepen divisions and increase tensions in the region.
“Let me remind you that Russia consistently supports an objective investigation of all crimes committed in the Balkans, regardless of the ethnic background of the victims—Bosniaks, Serbs, or Croats—so that all perpetrators are held accountable, irrespective of their nationality or religion,” Zakharova concluded.
Zakharova on the monument to Churkin in East Sarajevo
Russia sees the unveiling of a monument to Vitaly Churkin in East Sarajevo as a gesture of deep and genuine affection for the late Russian diplomat, said Zakharova.
“We regard this event as a tribute to Churkin’s long-standing efforts to uphold international law and defend the constitutional competencies of the two entities and three constituent peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she emphasized.
According to Zakharova, Russia sees the monument as an authentic expression of sincere and profound love for Vitaly Churkin.
Source: Sputnik
