JASENOVAC AS A WARNING, TEACH YOUNG GENERATIONS ABOUT CRIMES THROUGH SCIENTIFIC APPROACH

BANJA LUKA, September 10 /SRNA/ - President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republika Srpska /ANURS/ Dragoljub Mirjanić stated that the institution nurtures the tradition of remembrance of the suffering of the Serbian people, particularly during World War II.

"It is our duty to convey to today's generation, and especially to future ones, the latest research of our eminent scholars so that such evil may never be repeated against anyone," Mirjanić told reporters in Banja Luka, where the international symposium "Concentration Camp Jasenovac - Serbian Suffering in World War II, 80 Years Later" is being held. Professor of international relations and senator of Republika Srpska Srđa Trifković emphasized that the importance of today's event lies in finally approaching the phenomenon of Ustashism as an ideology and criminal practice through a scientific lens, without emotions and victimhood narratives that have characterized the issue until now. "My contribution focused on the question of whether the Ustashas were fascists. My answer is categorically negative. In the foundations of their ideological framework, they lacked the sophistication, if I may put it that way, to fit into the matrix of European fascism," Trifković said. He noted that Serbs in the 20th century emerged as victors from wars and conflicts, and that this should be the most important message. "Drawing inspiration from this somewhat brighter interpretation of our history, alongside commemorating the victims, we should look at the remainder of this century with more optimism," Trifković added. Professor Kiril Feferman of Ariel University stressed that this is a highly significant academic gathering on a topic that must not be forgotten. "We are discussing questions that are not only important for the history of Serbs, the Balkans, and Europe, but also of global significance. I especially hope that we will pass our findings on to younger generations, who must take over the work on these issues," Feferman said. He pointed out that the suffering of the Serbian people was unprecedented and must be recognized globally. "The Holocaust claimed more lives, but the Holocaust is far better known. Serbian suffering, which was horrific, is still not adequately marked or recognized," Feferman emphasized. The symposium was attended by President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić, envoy of the President of Republika Srpska Marko Romić, Rector of the University of Banja Luka Radoslav Gajanin, academician Rajko Kuzmanović, His Grace Bishop Jovan of Pakrac and Slavonia, as well as distinguished scholars and experts. ANURS organized the international symposium under the patronage of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik.