Serbian MFA: Hate speech is concerning even 30 years after "Operation Storm" as is Croatia's triumphalist tone

Photo: Tanjug/ Rec Media / Bozidar Zivanovic

The Serbian MFA )Ministry of Foreign Affairs) said in a statement that it is a cause for concern that even today, three decades after Croatia's "Operation Storm," there is a rhetoric of hatred and intolerance, as well as the ever-present speech that incites divisions on an ethnic basis.

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The MFA said it is additionally worrisome that this event (the military offensive against ethnic Serb areas) continues to be celebrated in Croatia in a triumphalist tone without, any awareness about the suffering of the victims and without a genuine effort to acknowledge that.

The statement stresses that cases of hate speech are unfortunately not sporadic or isolated, but point to a broader social atmosphere that is not in line with fundamental European values.

It is also stated that Croatia's approach to marking the anniversary of "Operation Storm" does not contribute to reconciliation, nor to the strengthening of mutual trust and stability in the region.

"Ignoring the suffering of a people opens up space for historical revisionism and suppresses universal values on which every democratic and peaceful order should rest," the Ministry said.

They added that, despite everything, the Serb nation remain steadfast and dignified in its struggle to preserve truth, justice and the right to remembrance.

"We believe that confronting the past does not mean deepening divisions, but is the basis of historical responsibility and a condition for any sincere dialogue. The Serb people, wherever they live, have the right to remember, to speak the truth and to be proud of their identity and perseverance throughout history. In the name of the future of the Serb people - we will never stop talking about the past, so that tragedies like 'Operation Storm' never happen again," the statement said.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the criminal military operation "Storm" the Ministry expressed deep respect for all the Serbs who suffered during it and once again reminded the domestic and international public about the facts regarding one of the darkest episodes in the recent history of the region.

The statement recalled that in August 1995, systematic ethnic cleansing was carried out, during which about 250,000 Serbs were expelled from their centuries-old homes, while about 2,000, including a large number of civilians, women and the elderly, lost their lives, and pointed out that these facts must not be forgotten or relativized.

"On the initiative of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, since 2014, Serbia, the Serb Republic and the Serb people have been commemorating this day jointly and with dignity, as a day of remembrance, respect, and warning. Serbia remains committed to preserving historical memory, honoring every victim, and to a permanent struggle for peace, truth and justice," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)