Deputy Secretary-General Says ‘Deplorable’ Violence against Serbian Prime Minister Must Not Detract from Lessons of Srebrenica Genocide

Following is Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s statement on the attack on Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić of the Republic of Serbia, issued today:

Today is about the victims of Srebrenica and their families.  I took part in today’s moving ceremony.  I had several meetings with families of the victims.

The deplorable act of violence against Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić of the Republic of Serbia, which I witnessed first-hand, was far removed from the spirit I felt at this dignified and solemn commemoration.

This incident must not detract from what we are to learn from Srebrenica.  Genocide must never occur again.  And truth and reconciliation are the road to healing and preventing another Srebrenica.

Now is the time for restraint and honouring the victims and their families.