Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has released a video message on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, highlighting the lasting pain of the Bosniak victims and the international community’s failure to prevent the atrocity.
“Even though 30 years have passed since the genocide in Srebrenica, the pain of our Bosniak brothers and sisters remains fresh. The fact that the international community did not take responsibility to stop the genocide is a disgrace that will be remembered with shame,” Erdoğan stated.
He emphasized that Turkey’s long-standing call for reforming the United Nations stems from the fight against the mindset of inaction, captured in the saying: ‘Long live the snake that does not bite me’.
“In this fight, the words of the late Alija Izetbegović continue to light our path: ‘Whatever you do, don’t forget the genocide—because a forgotten genocide is a repeated genocide,’” added Erdoğan, praising the recent adoption of the Srebrenica Resolution as a strong stand against genocide.
Erdoğan also criticized the international silence over the ongoing events in Gaza, arguing it proves the world has not learned the necessary lessons from Srebrenica.
He ended his message with a warning to the Israeli government and a firm pledge of support from Turkey:
“Let no one doubt our unconditional support. Turkey will continue to fulfill its responsibility to uphold peace, security, and stability.”
