OSCE Mission comments on apology to Srebrenica families

BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 11 November 2004 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina issued the following statement today:

"We welcome yesterday's statement by the government of the Republika Srpska apologizing to the families of Srebrenica. It is important in any conflict situation that the past be dealt with in an open and transparent manner, and this is an important step in that direction.

Looking ahead, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina encourages the RS government as well as all BiH authorities and to keep this process moving forward, by continuing to support efforts that will lead to lasting justice.

This gesture as well as the Srebrenica Commission's report is a positive start to that process. It represents a commitment toward the implementation of Human Rights Chamber decisions, now the Human Rights Commission within the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We urge full compliance with these decisions."