Ibrahimović and Tiso: Confronting the Past Is the Only Path to Lasting Peace and Reconciliation

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović today opened, together with United Nations Resident Coordinator in Montenegro Karolin Tiso, a panel discussion on the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide. In his address, Ibrahimović emphasized that even thirty-one years after the Srebrenica genocide, this horrific crime remains a lasting reminder to humanity and an obligation to preserve the truth, ensure justice, and nurture a culture of remembrance. The minister stated that fostering a culture of remembrance is the best response to historical revisionism, denial of genocide, glorification of war criminals, and hate speech, recalling that Montenegro has consistently affirmed its principled stance against the Srebrenica genocide through decisions of the Montenegrin Parliament and support for the UN General Assembly Resolution of 2024. Confirming our commitment to discuss the past, take responsibility, and take a step further towards genuine understanding and reconciliation—thus ensuring prosperity and unity for future generations in Montenegro and the region— Ibrahimović said. Today, we remember the past not only to pay tribute to the victims but also to reaffirm our shared responsibility to build the present and future based on dignity, respect for human rights, and the determination that such atrocities never happen again anywhere. A video message was delivered by Emir Suljagić, director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center–Potočari, who said: 'The victims of the Srebrenica genocide can no longer speak. Because remembrance is an act of justice, and truth is the strongest protection against the repetition of crimes.' The program continued with a panel discussion featuring the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro, Branimir Jukić; the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, Peter Felten; the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, Siniša Bjeković; and the Executive Director of Action for Human Rights, Tea Gorjanc Prelević.