VISIT OF THE US AMBASSADOR

25.07.2008.

His Excellency US Ambassador Charles English visited the Research and Documentation Center to learn about the work of the RDC. RDC President Mr. Mirsad Tokaca gave a presentation about the organization's completed projects, and also presented the projects the RDC plans to complete in the coming period. Mr. English was especially interested in the results of the Human Losses in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1991-1995 project.

Thanks to a grant from the US Embassy's Office of Public Affairs, the RDC Library and Club has been enriched by a further 281 publication titles, for which the RDC is very grateful.

In a statement to the media after the meeting with Mr. Tokaca, Mr. English said:

“It is truly difficult to overstate the importance of the detailed work that the Center has undertaken. By facing the tragic events of Bosnia and Herzegovina 's recent past in such an objective and dignified manner, the Center is shedding light on the awful truth of the past in order to illuminate the path towards justice and reconciliation. (...)

“ The US supports the important work of the Center for Research and Documentation. The Center sets an important example of how strong domestic institutions, including NGOs, can foster true reconciliation.  By documenting the facts and dispelling myths, the Center is lighting a path towards justice and reconciliation. Political leaders must now make the decision to walk that path. We strongly encourage them to do so.”

Mr. Tokaca thanked the ambassador for his concern with the process of facing the past and prosecuting war criminals, emphasized that the RDC cooperates daily with the Hague tribunal, and that the capture of war criminal Karadžic will intensify that cooperation. The results of the Human Losses in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1991-1995 project will be at the disposal of the Hague tribunal.