The Dutch government has blasted retired US General John Sheehan for his remark that the presence of openly gay soldiers in the Dutch military led to Srebrenica genocide of 1995.
The general was being questioned by the US Senate Armed Services Committee about President Barack Obama's plan to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the US army.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Defence ministry said, "It is astonishing that a man of his [Sheehan's] stature can utter such complete nonsense." General Sheehan said he had been told by the former chief of staff of the Netherlands army that the presence of homosexual soldiers had contributed to the fall of Srebrenica.
Caretaker Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said on Twitter,
"A most extraordinary statement about Srebrenica. I'm afraid this is mainly inspired by discussion in the US about homosexuality in the army."
Read more: Gays in Dutch army blamed for Srebrenica massacre
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Retired US General John Sheehan
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