President of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan stated that in May 1992, the hardest battle was fought in the silence of the Banja Luka maternity hospital — the battle of newborn babies for every breath.
“Due to the lack of understanding and humanity of those who at that moment were deciding about human destinies, newborn babies were deprived of the right to life. The babies lost their battle because of a cruel political decision. Inhumanity overpowered humanity, and that is why such a decision can never be forgotten or forgiven,” Karan said in a statement marking 34 years since the deaths of 12 Banja Luka babies at the then Clinical Center, who died due to the refusal of world powers to allow the transport of oxygen.
Karan recalled that during May 1992, a UN Security Council decision banned international flights, including humanitarian flights that were supposed to deliver urgently needed oxygen from Belgrade to the Banja Luka maternity hospital.
“The immeasurable pain and sorrow left behind by this tragedy became one of the decisive moments that motivated Serb fighters to launch the breakthrough of the Corridor through Posavina. Through a heroic battle, the route of life and survival was opened, reconnecting Republika Srpska with Serbia and ensuring the survival of the Serb people in these areas,” Karan emphasized.
He added that it remains the duty of Republika Srpska to preserve the memory of the 12 Banja Luka babies and the truth about their suffering.
Source: RTRS
