With Truth against Conflict- Public debate in Srebrenica

Sarajevo, 19. September 2007.

On Tuesday, 18th September 2007 at 11.00 a.m. in Srebrenica, Research and documentation center in cooperation with the Embassy of Great Britain held the first debate, in a row of twelve debates aiming to develop the culture of dialogue in BiH society and in that way work on prevention of potential conflicts at local level.  The debate was held in the premises of the organization “Kuca povjerenja” which was our partner in organization of this event.
With this debate we wanted to find out what are the needs of the people in the area and in which way they imagine the “Capacity building for conflict prevention” in their area.

The introductory word was given by Mr. Camil Durakovic, on behalf of the Association of the victims of genocide in Srebrenica, Mr. Jasmin Duvnjak, representative in the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and applicator of the initiative for setting in force the Law on denial of genocide and showing fascistic symbols, and Mr. Abdurahman Malkic, Mayor of Srebrenica Municipality.

Among the participants were also representatives of non-governmental organizations, Center of civil initiatives from Mostar, International Commission for Missing Persons, Association of mothers of the Enclaves Srebrenica and Zepa, Orthodox Religious Community, Association of Victims, representatives of media as well as numerous interested citizens of Srebrenica.

The participants have agreed that Srebrenica represents area of high conflict level and inexhaustible source of potential conflicts in various spheres and through various ways of manifesting.  In order to reduce the conflicts in this area and to bring them to bearable level the participants were of the opinion that it is important for all victims of the past conflicts to be considered equally, to arrest and process the responsible for war crimes and unquestionably accept and obey the verdict of the ICTY on the committed genocide in Srebrenica and in relation with that to support the initiative on setting in force the Law on denial of genocide in Srebrenica on the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  It has also been emphasized that more attention should be given to the education of young generations in Srebrenica.  Visits to the Memorial Center Potocari should be part of the regular curriculum.

Participants agreed that due care should be given to equal representation of all citizens of Srebrenica, the non-governmental organizations, religious communities and other interested institutions and individuals in the planning process of future activities and initiatives which are of the interest for Srebrenica.  A wish of the participants was expressed at this event to have new similar debates where it would be possible to lead argumentative and in-depth discussion on specific subject.  The debates would cover specific problems which require a special approach and a comprehensive analysis.  Overall event has been evaluated as successful.  The participants have expressed their hope and wish for dialogue on all levels for the purpose of trust building as basis for conflict prevention.

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