STEVANDIĆ: DENIAL OF OXYGEN TO BANJA LUKA BABIES A CRIME WITHOUT REPENTANCE

BANJA LUKA, MAY 22 /SRNA/ - Blocking the transport of oxygen to Banja Luka in 1992, which led to the deaths of 12 babies at the Clinical Center, was a cruel and hypocritical crime for which no one has ever shown remorse, said Nenad Stevandić, Speaker of the Republika Srpska National Assembly.

"That is why we will not forgive such things and such inhumanity, the ban on children receiving oxygen," Stevandić said in Banja Luka at the commemoration marking 34 years since the deaths of the 12 babies.

He said that today one can notice shame among certain representatives of the international community, although they are not personally guilty, but that sincere repentance is necessary for this crime to be forgiven.

Stevandić added that this crime would be spoken about quietly if it were not for the self-awareness and self-respect of the Serb people.

"Republika Srpska has enabled us to jointly show dignity, because even after this vile crime we treated enemy soldiers, and today children of all nationalities are treated at the University Clinical Center of Srpska. We do not divide them as Republika Srpska was divided from those who should have received oxygen and survived," Stevandić stressed.

He said that it is important for this crime to be spoken about, to be mentioned every year and in all diplomatic meetings.

"We must not tarnish the memory of these innocent victims. Glory to their souls," Stevandić said.

Wreaths and flowers were laid today at the Life Memorial Monument in central Banja Luka marking 34 years since the deaths of 12 Banja Luka babies at the then Clinical Center, who died because world powers did not allow the transport of oxygen.