Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

725. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre that occurred in Bosnia Herzogovina. [28393/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On the twentieth anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, one of the most appalling atrocities ever to take place in Europe, we remember the more than 8,000 victims of this terrible massacre and our thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones. The principal commemoration took place in Srebrenica on 11 July and Ireland was represented by Ambassador Pat Kelly, who is accredited to Bosnia.

Members of the Bosnian diaspora in Ireland organized a memorial event, which was supported by my Department, outside Leinster House on 7 July. That day, I issued a statement in which I recalled the lasting impact of the events on the victims and their families, as well as on the wider international community.

I reiterated the need to challenge and condemn any attempts to minimise or deny the genocide that took place at Srebrenica, and my belief that we must redouble our efforts to promote tolerance and respect as fundamental values.

I reaffirmed Ireland’s ongoing support for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on their path to accession to the European Union.