Prime Minister Kok chose to support Voorhoeve. Because of this, two days later on July 13, Muslim civilians who were staying in the Dutch compound were actually sent away by “Dutchbat”, even though everyone there knew the fate that awaited the men and boys.
One month before the fall of the enclave, “Dutchbat” Commander Karremans and the leaders of the local Muslim army agreed to defend the enclave together. In the crucial days of the attack on the enclave, Dutchbat didn't fullfill this promise.
It is a fact that the Dutch blue-helmets gave up the enclave without a single shot. Had the “Dutchbat” fought, like the French and English did in the safe areas they protected, U.N. air support would have been provided.
The U.N. Peacekeeping regulations allowed air support only if ground forces were on the verge of being overwhelmed.
“Dutchbat” failed to defend the enclave and to protect the Muslim civilian population because the Dutch government attached a greater value to the life of the Dutch blue-helmets than to their Honor or the safety of the Muslim civilians who were dependent on them.
The IKV is demanding a new parliamentary inquiry into Srebrenica and also supports the 'Campaign for Truth and Justice', which the survivors of Srebrenica have led for years.
The IKV pleads that the Dutch government, “on behalf of the whole Dutch population”, accepts responsibility for the mistakes which have also been made by the Dutch, both in Srebrenica and in The Hague and that the Dutch government not only admit its guilt, but also apologize and contribute to extended support programs for the relatives of the victims.
According to the IKV, the parliament will have to acccept the consequences concerning those who were politically and military responsible for the fall of Srebrenica and the subsequent massacre.
The Dutch Institute for War Documentation is expected to release a separate report on April 10 and Prime Minister Kok has said thet he will wait until he sees that one before he comments. He has, however, expressed concern that documents were leaked to the IKV.
The report, along with more information on Srebrenica can be found at http://www.ikv.nl/srebrenica
One month before the fall of the enclave, “Dutchbat” Commander Karremans and the leaders of the local Muslim army agreed to defend the enclave together. In the crucial days of the attack on the enclave, Dutchbat didn't fullfill this promise.
It is a fact that the Dutch blue-helmets gave up the enclave without a single shot. Had the “Dutchbat” fought, like the French and English did in the safe areas they protected, U.N. air support would have been provided.
The U.N. Peacekeeping regulations allowed air support only if ground forces were on the verge of being overwhelmed.
“Dutchbat” failed to defend the enclave and to protect the Muslim civilian population because the Dutch government attached a greater value to the life of the Dutch blue-helmets than to their Honor or the safety of the Muslim civilians who were dependent on them.
The IKV is demanding a new parliamentary inquiry into Srebrenica and also supports the 'Campaign for Truth and Justice', which the survivors of Srebrenica have led for years.
The IKV pleads that the Dutch government, “on behalf of the whole Dutch population”, accepts responsibility for the mistakes which have also been made by the Dutch, both in Srebrenica and in The Hague and that the Dutch government not only admit its guilt, but also apologize and contribute to extended support programs for the relatives of the victims.
According to the IKV, the parliament will have to acccept the consequences concerning those who were politically and military responsible for the fall of Srebrenica and the subsequent massacre.
The Dutch Institute for War Documentation is expected to release a separate report on April 10 and Prime Minister Kok has said thet he will wait until he sees that one before he comments. He has, however, expressed concern that documents were leaked to the IKV.
The report, along with more information on Srebrenica can be found at http://www.ikv.nl/srebrenica