HYSTERIA FOLLOWING DEATH OF GENERAL MLADIĆ SHOWS THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE TOGETHER IN BiH

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, SEPTEMBER 1 /SRNA/ - Istočno Sarajevo Mayor Ljubiša Ćosić said that the constant verbal attacks and outpourings of hatred from the Federation of BiH against Serbs following the death of General Ratko Mladić show that the peoples in this region can never live together again.

Ćosić told SRNA that Serbs would not abandon those who are symbols of Republika Srpska and its defense, but that this did not imply hatred towards other peoples. Rejoicing over the death of a man who was respected by members of another ethnic group, he said, shows the depth of intolerance, stressing that he had personally never rejoiced over the death of any Bosniak, regardless of their political or wartime involvement. “We will never renounce those who are no longer among us and who are synonymous with Republika Srpska and its defense, neither in our hearts, nor in public appearances, nor in everyday conversation. But this will never cause us to feel hatred towards anyone else,” Ćosić said. He stressed that there was no willingness in BiH to show mutual respect, although 31 years since the end of the conflict should have been enough for the peoples to accept that there are three different truths that should be respected and acknowledged. “However, the widespread hysteria is not present only during these sad days following the death of the general. It is there every time, every day, whenever there is any report concerning Serbs and Republika Srpska; it is always negative, always malicious,” Ćosić said. The attitude prevailing in the Federation of BiH these days, Ćosić said, is a clear indication that the divide between the peoples is growing ever deeper and that this country can never be put back together. He said that the current atmosphere confirms what he has been saying for years - that the peoples of this region can never live together again, but that they can live very successfully and peacefully alongside one another and cooperate if they respect one another. He pointed out that those who did bad things have no place in the collective memory of the Serb people, while, on the other hand, Bosniaks still celebrate those who harmed Serbs, welcoming them and idolizing them.