Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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731. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the Bosnian and Herzogovinian community in Ireland, following the massacre of 8,372 Bosnian men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995, and if he will join with them on this matter [28737/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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On the 20th 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. We in Ireland have long been supporters of Bosnia, including on its path to European accession, and the Bosnian community in Ireland, many of whom settled here in the wake of the awful events of twenty years ago. We were pleased to be represented at the moving memorial held by members of the Bosnian diaspora outside Leinster house on 7 July. This took place ahead of the principal commemoration in Srebrenica on 11 July at which Ireland was represented by Ambassador Pat Kelly, who is accredited to Bosnia.

I issued a statement on 7 July 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.