Milovic in Zvecan: A great evil occurred 25 years ago, we will not forget innocent victims

A quarter of a century since the start of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was also commemorated in Zvecan, where the Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Milena Parlic, the Vice President of the Serb List, Dragisa Milovic, families and friends of the victims, and numerous citizens laid wreaths and lit candles for the 13 killed in that municipality in 1999.

The Vice President of the Serb List, Dragisa Milovic, reminded that 19 NATO countries, violating international law and without a decision from the UN Security Council, had bombed a small UN member country for 78 days in 1999, day and night.

"That relentless bombing was not only targeting military barracks but also civilians. Kindergartens, schools, bridges, highways, and companies were destroyed. 37,000 cluster bombs were dropped, and ammunition containing depleted uranium, which is banned, was used. After 25 years, we see the consequences of this ammunition in the increasing number of people suffering from severe diseases, both among the young and the old," Milovic said.

He emphasized that the bombing claimed 13 lives in Zvecan and that their names must never be forgotten.

"This monument serves as a reminder to all of us of a great evil that occurred 25 years ago, and we sincerely hope that such evil will never be repeated anywhere. It is up to us, who live here, to honor the families living with pain and to teach the youth that in a small town like Zvecan, wonderful people sacrificed their lives. May their memory be eternal, and may God forgive their souls," Milovic said.

Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Milena Parlic, reiterated that today is a reminder of the crime against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which defended its integrity, sovereignty, and people.

"The NATO bombing was not conducted to prevent a crisis, but with the aim of attempting to seize a part of Serbia's territory. They did not and will not succeed, as they have not throughout history, as evidenced by everyone here. Our generations and descendants will be reminded of this crime. These monuments erected in honor of the innocent civilian victims, members of the military and police, and the young children who perished defending the state and the people will remind us for centuries to come. May they have eternal glory and gratitude, and may God grant strength to the families of the victims and to our people to endure all earthly trials," Parlic said.

Wreaths were laid today at the "Bozidar Bozovic" Elementary School in Zerovnica, which was named after a young man who tragically lost his life during the NATO aggression. Parents, friends, and residents of this village gathered in front of the school to pay tribute to the victims together.