President urged to "change his mind" about Sarajevo trip
SARAJEVO -- Bakir Izetbegoviĉ says he "does not understand the reasoning behind Serbian President Tomislav Nikoliĉs plans not to go to Sarajevo."
Source: Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
“Nobody is planning to revise history or accuse the perpetrators of the assassination, let alone a whole nation. We will try to ‘round up’ 100 years of conflict and draw some lessons from a century of wars,” said Izetbegoviĉ, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina and representative of Bosniaks (Muslims) in the country's tripartite presidency.
“This is no way to reconcile,” Nikoliĉ said, stressing that he could not go to a place where his people would be accused.
Izetbegoviĉ argues, however, that the signs were put on the Sarajevo City Hall at the time it was burned down, when "a genocide campaign started in Sarajevo that ended with 11,541 people in the city, including Serbs, being killed."
"It is really a plate speaking about the criminals who did that and it is a mirror of the events taking place at that time. We should not be mad at the mirror if it shows an ugly picture," he said.
Izetbegoviĉ expressed "hope that President Nikoliĉ and other Serbian politicians would change their positions about the issue," media in Bosnia reported.
"We have no intention of accusing the people we live together with. We only accuse criminals. But this time, we will not do even that, as we want to send messages of 100 years of peace after the 100 years of war," he said.
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
What is the issue with Serbs is this the number u like to through around 250, 000 in Croatia also you say 250,000 in Kosovo makes me laugh .....
(Atila, 12 June 2014 12:53)
Atilla- the "world community" Is that the one that has got every important foreign policy decision for 3 decades wrong. That one?
Comm Everyone knows what really happened in Srebrenica, You are right.
(Wally, 12 June 2014 12:02)
That sign on the building in Sarajevo represents real hate speech and would be a criminal offence if the name of another ethnic group would be placed there, but because it is 'only Serbs' there is no problem.
(Jim, 12 June 2014 07:58)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
===…==
You're right but tell us when did the others accept their crimes.
Serbs have rounded up their people and sent them to Hauge. The others don't have to worry about that because the few that were there have not been found guilty (the main players).
When did Croatia apologise or Bosnia or the Albanians? When did any of them acknowledge the crimes? All they ever do is deny, deny deny so when Mr Izetbegovic puts plaques around Sarajevo stating how they committed crimes against Serbs and how Croatians did the same, only then will he have the right to put up a sign which makes every Serb uncomfortable about entering that building. He is aiming for ordinary Serbs because ordinary Serbs will be using that building.
(Peggy, 12 June 2014 04:13)
Phase 1. Invite Serbian president to attend.
Phase 2. Invite Serbian president to pose for photographs.
Phase 3. Position Serbian President under sign - and shoot (photo shoot of course..).
Surely there are many other suitable locations where this event could be held? Izetbegovic knows it - nice try.
(Darko, 12 June 2014 01:28)
I really can't believe the level of stupidity of Tomislav.
When, say, 100 people ommit a crime and Tomislav gets defensive about them, what that means is that Tomislav makes the actions of those 100 people something committed by the Serbian people as a whole (I'm assuming he is aware he is President of Serbia). Serbs are really the worst enemies of themselves... They, for some reason, refuse to consider the crimes of some Serbs what they are - individual criminal acts for which they should not criminalize the entire Serbian people.
(icj1, 12 June 2014 01:20)
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
"Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done."
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
Well this is the issue with Serbia always worried about the others and who else committed bigger attestations. I took Germany as example of accepting the past not the magnitude of the crimes, Serbia needs to accept they caused havoc in Yugoslavia they fought with every single entety, I never said Serbian crimes are same, smaller or larger than germany all I am talking about is responsibility.
Every Argument brought about the Wars in yugoslavia is pushed well others did it too, You do not think Russians/USA committed crimes after WWII you dont see Germans saying yes we were bad But.
It does not change anything that Serbia was the aggressor in all those wars (Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo) if you think different then thats just your choice but World comunity sees it different.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 17:54)
Bakir is more deluded than the criminal who spawned him. Just have a look at your family photos Mr.Izetbegoivic and tell us if you can spot anyone who has "HELPED" Bosnia. We suspect you'll be struggling to find them?? Try to spot someone who has bought death and misery to Bosnia and they will be plentiful. Well done President Nikolic don't give this repulsive individual the oxygen of publicity he craves.
(EP, 11 June 2014 16:22)
Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
Serbs need to deal with their past, even if its not good as they would like. Reflect and don't let it repeat, learn from Germans they have embraced the past accepted responsibility, I am sure many innocent Germans were Killed who had nothing to do with War same as Serbs.
I hope things will change with future generations and they just move on, accept responsibility for their parents and grandparents - I think Nikolic its just to close to the fire on this and it burns.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 13:13)
There were plenty of criminals. These "leaders" cling onto power only through the denial of their own culpability and the lie that it was all Serbias fault. Isn't it time one of them had the courage to admit that tragic mistakes were made by all. It has become their default position to dump on the Serbs, to bolster there very narrow but nationalistic power base. They have nothing else to offer their people.
(Jeff, 11 June 2014 11:41)
Nikolic is right. Many things happened in Sarajevo and it was NOT only Serbs that had committed war crimes.
If the Sarajevo authorities believe it is necessary to 'name and shame' then all buildings in that city should carry plaques with the ethnicity of the criminals who raped, pillaged and murdered, but that would be ridiculous.
Its enough to have a memorial somewhere in the city that remembers the autrocities committed by all, so that it never happens again.
(T, 11 June 2014 10:18)
Nikolic is right. Many things happened in Sarajevo and it was NOT only Serbs that had committed war crimes.
If the Sarajevo authorities believe it is necessary to 'name and shame' then all buildings in that city should carry plaques with the ethnicity of the criminals who raped, pillaged and murdered, but that would be ridiculous.
Its enough to have a memorial somewhere in the city that remembers the autrocities committed by all, so that it never happens again.
(T, 11 June 2014 10:18)
There were plenty of criminals. These "leaders" cling onto power only through the denial of their own culpability and the lie that it was all Serbias fault. Isn't it time one of them had the courage to admit that tragic mistakes were made by all. It has become their default position to dump on the Serbs, to bolster there very narrow but nationalistic power base. They have nothing else to offer their people.
(Jeff, 11 June 2014 11:41)
Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
Bakir is more deluded than the criminal who spawned him. Just have a look at your family photos Mr.Izetbegoivic and tell us if you can spot anyone who has "HELPED" Bosnia. We suspect you'll be struggling to find them?? Try to spot someone who has bought death and misery to Bosnia and they will be plentiful. Well done President Nikolic don't give this repulsive individual the oxygen of publicity he craves.
(EP, 11 June 2014 16:22)
"Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done."
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
Serbs need to deal with their past, even if its not good as they would like. Reflect and don't let it repeat, learn from Germans they have embraced the past accepted responsibility, I am sure many innocent Germans were Killed who had nothing to do with War same as Serbs.
I hope things will change with future generations and they just move on, accept responsibility for their parents and grandparents - I think Nikolic its just to close to the fire on this and it burns.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 13:13)
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
What is the issue with Serbs is this the number u like to through around 250, 000 in Croatia also you say 250,000 in Kosovo makes me laugh .....
(Atila, 12 June 2014 12:53)
It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
Well this is the issue with Serbia always worried about the others and who else committed bigger attestations. I took Germany as example of accepting the past not the magnitude of the crimes, Serbia needs to accept they caused havoc in Yugoslavia they fought with every single entety, I never said Serbian crimes are same, smaller or larger than germany all I am talking about is responsibility.
Every Argument brought about the Wars in yugoslavia is pushed well others did it too, You do not think Russians/USA committed crimes after WWII you dont see Germans saying yes we were bad But.
It does not change anything that Serbia was the aggressor in all those wars (Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo) if you think different then thats just your choice but World comunity sees it different.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 17:54)
That sign on the building in Sarajevo represents real hate speech and would be a criminal offence if the name of another ethnic group would be placed there, but because it is 'only Serbs' there is no problem.
(Jim, 12 June 2014 07:58)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
===…==
You're right but tell us when did the others accept their crimes.
Serbs have rounded up their people and sent them to Hauge. The others don't have to worry about that because the few that were there have not been found guilty (the main players).
When did Croatia apologise or Bosnia or the Albanians? When did any of them acknowledge the crimes? All they ever do is deny, deny deny so when Mr Izetbegovic puts plaques around Sarajevo stating how they committed crimes against Serbs and how Croatians did the same, only then will he have the right to put up a sign which makes every Serb uncomfortable about entering that building. He is aiming for ordinary Serbs because ordinary Serbs will be using that building.
(Peggy, 12 June 2014 04:13)
Phase 1. Invite Serbian president to attend.
Phase 2. Invite Serbian president to pose for photographs.
Phase 3. Position Serbian President under sign - and shoot (photo shoot of course..).
Surely there are many other suitable locations where this event could be held? Izetbegovic knows it - nice try.
(Darko, 12 June 2014 01:28)
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
I really can't believe the level of stupidity of Tomislav.
When, say, 100 people ommit a crime and Tomislav gets defensive about them, what that means is that Tomislav makes the actions of those 100 people something committed by the Serbian people as a whole (I'm assuming he is aware he is President of Serbia). Serbs are really the worst enemies of themselves... They, for some reason, refuse to consider the crimes of some Serbs what they are - individual criminal acts for which they should not criminalize the entire Serbian people.
(icj1, 12 June 2014 01:20)
Atilla- the "world community" Is that the one that has got every important foreign policy decision for 3 decades wrong. That one?
Comm Everyone knows what really happened in Srebrenica, You are right.
(Wally, 12 June 2014 12:02)
Serbs need to deal with their past, even if its not good as they would like. Reflect and don't let it repeat, learn from Germans they have embraced the past accepted responsibility, I am sure many innocent Germans were Killed who had nothing to do with War same as Serbs.
I hope things will change with future generations and they just move on, accept responsibility for their parents and grandparents - I think Nikolic its just to close to the fire on this and it burns.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 13:13)
It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
Well this is the issue with Serbia always worried about the others and who else committed bigger attestations. I took Germany as example of accepting the past not the magnitude of the crimes, Serbia needs to accept they caused havoc in Yugoslavia they fought with every single entety, I never said Serbian crimes are same, smaller or larger than germany all I am talking about is responsibility.
Every Argument brought about the Wars in yugoslavia is pushed well others did it too, You do not think Russians/USA committed crimes after WWII you dont see Germans saying yes we were bad But.
It does not change anything that Serbia was the aggressor in all those wars (Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo) if you think different then thats just your choice but World comunity sees it different.
(Atila, 11 June 2014 17:54)
Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done.
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
"Attila- what a ridiculous post . A pathetic attempt to equate what Germany did to wha happened in Yugoslavia is an insult to all the real victims of fascism. It is up to the others to accept their responsibility for their crimes, which are far greater than anything Serbs have done."
(Wally, 11 June 2014 14:01)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
No, it's not ridiculous, it's up to everyone to accept their responsibility for their crimes, including Serbs who were responsible for the 'greatest' massacre taking place in Europe after WW2. Srebrenica - you can deny it, but the world knows better.
(Comm. Parrisson, 11 June 2014 18:09)
===…==
You're right but tell us when did the others accept their crimes.
Serbs have rounded up their people and sent them to Hauge. The others don't have to worry about that because the few that were there have not been found guilty (the main players).
When did Croatia apologise or Bosnia or the Albanians? When did any of them acknowledge the crimes? All they ever do is deny, deny deny so when Mr Izetbegovic puts plaques around Sarajevo stating how they committed crimes against Serbs and how Croatians did the same, only then will he have the right to put up a sign which makes every Serb uncomfortable about entering that building. He is aiming for ordinary Serbs because ordinary Serbs will be using that building.
(Peggy, 12 June 2014 04:13)
There were plenty of criminals. These "leaders" cling onto power only through the denial of their own culpability and the lie that it was all Serbias fault. Isn't it time one of them had the courage to admit that tragic mistakes were made by all. It has become their default position to dump on the Serbs, to bolster there very narrow but nationalistic power base. They have nothing else to offer their people.
(Jeff, 11 June 2014 11:41)
Nikolic is right. Many things happened in Sarajevo and it was NOT only Serbs that had committed war crimes.
If the Sarajevo authorities believe it is necessary to 'name and shame' then all buildings in that city should carry plaques with the ethnicity of the criminals who raped, pillaged and murdered, but that would be ridiculous.
Its enough to have a memorial somewhere in the city that remembers the autrocities committed by all, so that it never happens again.
(T, 11 June 2014 10:18)
Bakir is more deluded than the criminal who spawned him. Just have a look at your family photos Mr.Izetbegoivic and tell us if you can spot anyone who has "HELPED" Bosnia. We suspect you'll be struggling to find them?? Try to spot someone who has bought death and misery to Bosnia and they will be plentiful. Well done President Nikolic don't give this repulsive individual the oxygen of publicity he craves.
(EP, 11 June 2014 16:22)
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
One of The greatest war crimes during the bosnian war was the ethnic cleansing of. 250 000 Serbs from Krajina and the murder of thousands of serb civilians these people murdered were not soldiers were jihadists were not fighting they were simply serbs.
(Mia, 11 June 2014 23:19)
What is the issue with Serbs is this the number u like to through around 250, 000 in Croatia also you say 250,000 in Kosovo makes me laugh .....
(Atila, 12 June 2014 12:53)
That sign on the building in Sarajevo represents real hate speech and would be a criminal offence if the name of another ethnic group would be placed there, but because it is 'only Serbs' there is no problem.
(Jim, 12 June 2014 07:58)
Phase 1. Invite Serbian president to attend.
Phase 2. Invite Serbian president to pose for photographs.
Phase 3. Position Serbian President under sign - and shoot (photo shoot of course..).
Surely there are many other suitable locations where this event could be held? Izetbegovic knows it - nice try.
(Darko, 12 June 2014 01:28)
Atilla- the "world community" Is that the one that has got every important foreign policy decision for 3 decades wrong. That one?
Comm Everyone knows what really happened in Srebrenica, You are right.
(Wally, 12 June 2014 12:02)
I really can't believe the level of stupidity of Tomislav.
When, say, 100 people ommit a crime and Tomislav gets defensive about them, what that means is that Tomislav makes the actions of those 100 people something committed by the Serbian people as a whole (I'm assuming he is aware he is President of Serbia). Serbs are really the worst enemies of themselves... They, for some reason, refuse to consider the crimes of some Serbs what they are - individual criminal acts for which they should not criminalize the entire Serbian people.
(icj1, 12 June 2014 01:20)