“Today’s draft resolution risks being misinterpreted as a message that could undermine efforts for regional reconciliation and the European future of the Western Balkans,” stated Evangelos Sekeris, the Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations. His statement explained Athens’ decision to abstain from yesterday’s vote at the UN General Assembly on establishing an International Day of Reflection and Remembrance of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. The resolution, proposed by Germany and Rwanda, received 84 votes in favor, 19 against, and 68 abstentions, including from Greece and Cyprus.
Athens also expressed concern about the timing of the resolution. “The resolution was tabled immediately after the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, potentially jeopardizing the positive momentum created by the EU decision,” Sekeris said.
Greece respects the decisions of independent judicial authorities regarding Srebrenica, including the International Court of Justice’s ruling on February 26, 2007, which explicitly stated that genocide was committed. Additionally, Greece acknowledges the importance of establishing an international day of remembrance for the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, described by Sekeris as “a tragedy that left a deep and painful wound in our region.”
He emphasized that “The Hellenic Republic remains committed both nationally and internationally to the fight against the denial of genocide and the crime of genocide.” However, he also highlighted Greece’s current priorities, stating, “The priority today, at a time of serious challenges that threaten peace and reconciliation in the Western Balkans, is to take initiatives that promote de-escalation and unity, thus paving the way for a common future for the entire region.”
In conclusion, Sekeris reiterated Greece’s stance: “Greece reiterates that the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans is only within the EU.”
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
