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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a video message to the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide, condemning the denial of the atrocity and drawing parallels to the current situation in Gaza.
Erdogan rejected statements that deny the genocide despite international court decisions and criticized the international community's response to both historical and contemporary conflicts.
"We reject all kinds of statements and declarations that deny the Srebrenica Genocide despite international court decisions and glorify war criminals. We condemn the attacks and harassment against people returning to their homes after the war," Erdogan said in his video message to the commemoration ceremony held in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Turkish president conveyed condolences from Türkiye's 86 million citizens to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina during these days of mourning.
Erdogan emphasized that 30 years after the Srebrenica Genocide, which left a dark stain on human history, the pain of the brutally murdered Bosniaks remains fresh in hearts.
He criticized the international community's failure to take necessary responsibility to stop the genocide, calling it "an irreparable and shameful weakness."
The president noted that they continue their struggle against the mentality that ignored this brutality: "The essence of our call for United Nations reform, which we always keep on the agenda, consists of fighting against this 'the snake that doesn't touch me can live a thousand years' mentality."
Erdogan drew connections between the Srebrenica Genocide and current events in Gaza: "Unfortunately, what is happening in Gaza today shows that the international community has not learned the necessary lessons from Srebrenica."
"The international community that remained silent in Srebrenica is just watching the oppression experienced in Palestine in recent years. The Israeli administration will sooner or later be held accountable before law and history for its genocide against nearly 57,000 Palestinian children, women, elderly and young people," he stated.
The Turkish president expressed support for Bosnia-Herzegovina's territorial integrity and sovereignty: "Our sincere wish is that an internal reconciliation encompassing all segments be established in Bosnia-Herzegovina for the stability of the Balkans and Europe."
"Let no one doubt that our unconditional support for Bosnia-Herzegovina's territorial integrity, sovereignty and constitutional order will continue," he added.
Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye would continue to do its part to preserve peace, tranquility and stability both multilaterally and bilaterally.
Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye's role in the U.N. General Assembly's declaration of July 11 as the "International Day of Remembrance of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide," calling it a manifestation of strong will against genocide.
He expressed belief that the Srebrenica Genocide Victims Memorial Museum, established with Türkiye's support at the former Srebrenica Battery Factory where the genocide primarily took place, would serve an important function.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also marked the anniversary with a message on social media platform X.
"This great tragedy, whose pain we still feel deeply, has left a profound mark on the conscience of humanity. It is our shared responsibility to never forget," Fidan wrote.
He honored the more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys killed and called for remembrance and solidarity.
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On July 11, 1995, Srebrenica was occupied by Serb forces under the command of Ratko Mladic. Bosniak civilians who had sought refuge with Dutch soldiers under UN protection were later handed over to the Serbs.
While women and children were allowed to reach areas controlled by Bosniak forces, the Serbs massacred at least 8,372 Bosniak men in wooded areas, factories and warehouses. The victims were buried in mass graves.
Following the war, efforts to find the missing led to the discovery of victims in mass graves. After identification, victims are buried annually on July 11 in ceremonies at the Potocari Memorial Cemetery.
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