Dutch government expresses regret to Srebrenica survivors

• Dutch ex-soldiers ordered to protect Srebrenica received an apology from the Dutch government.
• Prime Minister Rutte admitted that the Dutchbat III peacekeeping force struggled because “your mandate, your equipment, and the military support you received during your mission were all inadequate”.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers who, however, ordered to protect Srebrenica during the Bosnian conflict received an apology from the Dutch government.

The forces were underequipped to halt the atrocity, according to Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

After soldiers were overpowered by Bosnian Serb troops in July 1995, 8,000 Muslim males were killed.

Previously, administrations have claimed that the UN was to blame for the lack of air help.

Mr. Rutte, speaking to veterans at a military base in the central Netherlands on Saturday, admitted that the Dutchbat III peacekeeping force struggled because “your mandate, your equipment, and the military support you received during your mission were all inadequate.

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“Today, on behalf of the Dutch government, I apologize to all the women and men who served in Dutchbat III. To everyone present, as well as those who aren’t able to join us today, “Mr. Rutte addressed veterans.

“With the deepest admiration and respect for the way Dutchbat III persevered in attempting to do the right thing under extremely difficult circumstances.

In addition to the apology, Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren presented the Bronze Medal of Honour to soldiers sent to Srebrenica.