KOJIĆ: SOMEONE IS DELIBERATELY STOKING TENSIONS IN SREBRENICA

SREBRENICA, AUGUST 31 /SRNA/ - The Municipal Organization of Families of Captured and Killed Soldiers and Missing Civilians in Srebrenica said it was not organizing any gathering to commemorate the late General Ratko Mladić, nor did it know who was behind the announcement, stressing that there was a possibility that the event had been deliberately falsely announced to raise tensions.

The organization's president Branimir Kojić told SRNA that the announced gathering in Srebrenica had stirred up the Federation-based media and Muslims, and that there was complete chaos in the town. "The Republika Srpska police, as well as domestic and foreign media outlets, have been contacting me since this morning to find out who the organizer of the potential gathering is," Kojić said. He added that he would not be surprised if someone had deliberately falsely announced the gathering, perhaps even an association representing Muslims, as, according to some information, they are seeking to organize a counter-rally. Kojić says that if someone does want to organize a gathering, they should come forward and identify themselves by name, because General Mladić never hid behind anyone, so no one should hide behind his name either. Kojić says that Srebrenica is a sensitive environment and that anyone organizing anything, particularly gatherings of this kind, must ensure thorough preparations to prevent any unwanted consequences. "Serb families would certainly attend and take part in the gathering, but only on the condition that it is officially registered and that the safety of every participant is guaranteed," Kojić said. If anyone wants to turn this into a political game, Kojić says they are seriously mistaken if they think they will succeed, adding that such dirty games are certainly not good. He reminded that the organization he heads was involved in organizing the opening of a book of condolences as a tribute to General Mladić, in gratitude for the life and freedom he gave to the Serb people.