The ruling on the genocide of Srebrenica

Erich Rathfelder criticises the decision of the ICJ: "A harsher verdict would have encouraged the process of healing in Serbia. As things stand now, however, I fear Belgrade may simply push the verdict out of its mind. But they won't just be able to get back to business as usual because the massacre of Srebrenica, which by and large has been denied in Serbia, can now be officially described as genocide... The decision of the International Court of Justice reflects the political interests that are now taking prevalence with regard to Serbia and Bosnia; there was a major struggle behind the scenes. The result is a compromise which, although it gives the victims a slight sense of vindication, primarily serves to smooth the way for Serbia to unite with Europe - without, it should be stressed, catharsis."

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