Today marks the 26th anniversary of the commencement of NATO’s bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

In light of this anniversary, numerous messages have been conveyed by officials, politicians, and non-governmental organizations.

CCE: Honoring innocent victims compels us to nurture a culture of remembrance

The Center for Civic Education (CCE) emphasized that honoring innocent victims obligates society to act responsibly and foster a culture of remembrance, speaking on the 26th anniversary since NATO began bombing the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

CCE pointed out that today signifies 26 years since the bombing commenced, a conflict that persisted for 78 days and spanned the regions of three current nations—Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

They highlighted that no official list of victims has ever been compiled, referencing data from the Humanitarian Law Center, which has been the sole organization to systematically document the casualties.

According to this information, 451 civilians lost their lives during the bombing, including seven in Montenegro—Paška Junčaj, Miroslav Knežević, Olivera Maksimović, Julija Brudar, Vukić Vuletić, Milka Kočanović, and Manojlo Komatina.

The CCE also reported that 305 non-civilian personnel were killed during the airstrikes.

In total, the NGO estimated that 756 individuals died as a result of the bombing.

“The numbers and names of victims vary,” the CCE noted.

They added that based on the most reliable data, nine fatalities were recorded during NATO’s bombing in Montenegro, seven of whom were civilians.

“Among those from the VJ/MUP who died were Saša Stajić (in Danilovgrad) and Miroslav Božović (in Podgorica),” the statement from CCE elaborated.

Koprivica: This day also conveys that the politics of peace is irreplaceable

Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica remarked that this date should serve not only as a reminder of innocent victims but also as a caution that such events must never recur.

“On this day, 26 years ago, innocent individuals—our fellow citizens—fell victim to the unlawful bombing of the FRY. Let this day not only honor these victims but also serve as a solemn warning that such actions should never happen again, anywhere. This is an opportunity to advocate that the politics of peace must remain the only viable choice,” Koprivica stated in a social media post.

Bečić: We recognize that tragedy does not yield justice, nor does war offer a future

Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić stated that Montenegro’s policy is focused on cooperation, acknowledging that no tragedy has brought forth justice or a future.

“Today, marking 26 years since the NATO bombing, we pay heartfelt tribute to all innocent lives lost. Their names and fates remain forever etched in our collective memory. The 78 days of pain and uncertainty have made a lasting impact on our society. Such tragedies make it our duty to be vigilant guardians of memory,” Bečić underscored in his statement.

He further conveyed that Montenegro, as a modern and accountable nation, is building its foreign policy on principles of peace, stability, and partnership.

“Our approach emphasizes collaboration, as we realize that no atrocity has yielded justice, nor has any conflict ensured a future. The remembrance of bombing victims compels us to endorse a culture of peace, fortify institutions that safeguard human life, and stand firm as a country that will not allow another tragedy to occur,” Bečić asserted.

SNP: Ensuring truth about the past is vital for the future

The Socialist People’s Party (SNP) remains dedicated to preserving the memory of the deceased and championing justice, believing that lessons drawn from past experiences can pave the way for enduring peace and prosperity for all.

The SNP made this statement on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

“Today, we solemnly remember March 24, 1999, the start of the NATO bombing campaign that profoundly affected our people and the region. This was an unlawful act of aggression conducted without United Nations endorsement, resulting in the deaths of civilians, destruction of infrastructure, and lasting economic and environmental damage. We particularly mourn the loss of Miroslav Knežević (14), Olivera Maksimović (13), and Julija Brudar (9), along with Vukić Vuletić, Milka Kočanović, and Manojlo Komatina, who tragically died in the Murino attack on April 30, 1999,” the statement continued.

They maintained that these innocent lives were taken in an incident that profoundly affected their community and called attention to the importance of ensuring that such horrors never happen again, stressing the obligation to value and respect every life.

“Recognizing the deep sorrow caused by the bombing for countless families, we believe it is crucial to strive for peace and stability. It is our responsibility to pass on the truth about our history to future generations while also working towards a brighter future defined by dialogue and cooperation,” the SNP concluded.

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