Bećirović’s remarks: A frightening rhetorical and ideological relapse

In his public appearances marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica tragedy, the Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, has—consciously or unconsciously—revealed what he sees as the primary political objective of the commemoration, as well as his interpretation of the Srebrenica resolution, which was narrowly adopted at the UN General Assembly at Sarajevo’s insistence.

Rather than delivering a message of reconciliation within Bosnia and Herzegovina, or calling for a new chapter in relations with its neighbors, Bećirović used his central address at the Potočari commemoration to deliver a disturbing rhetorical and ideological throwback—one that appears aimed at rekindling animosity and division in the region.

Today, there is no real threat to the Bosniak people. On the contrary, Belgrade has for years extended sincere and consistent calls for cooperation, dialogue, and the development of friendly, neighborly relations. If Mr. Bećirović perceives the vision of a stable and prosperous region as a threat to Bosniaks, it serves only as further evidence that a segment of the political elite in Bosnia and Herzegovina, trapped in ideological rigidity, is unable to adapt to the reality of peace.

In truth, it is not the Bosniak people who are under threat, but rather their political leadership—some of whom, for reasons of their own, appear unwilling to allow the region to move forward, normalize relations, and develop through interpersonal and economic ties.

As we had previously warned—and as Bećirović's own statements now confirm—the Srebrenica resolution was pushed through the United Nations not with the aim of fostering reconciliation, but as a tool in the ongoing effort to assign collective guilt to the Serbian people for one terrible crime—albeit not the only horrific crime committed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is essential, in this context, to recall that mass atrocities were committed against Serbs and Croats as well. What we have witnessed in recent weeks and months is an attempt to create a hierarchy of victims. No one denies that the crime in Srebrenica occurred. However, by insisting on portraying it as the crime above all crimes, Sarajevo is—whether intentionally or not—diminishing and disregarding the suffering of Serbs and Croats, whose pain and losses were also significant and deeply tragic.

Bećirović’s aggressive rhetoric is, without question, an appeal to conflict—despite the fact that no one, aside from him and a small circle of ideological supporters, desires renewed tensions. Serbia will continue its efforts to make it clear to all political stakeholders in the region that our only interest lies in regional development and progress. Achieving this, however, requires de-escalation, responsible political discourse, and a departure from a narrative of unfounded accusations and finger-pointing.