07.09.2013.
Defence Minister's interview for Vecernje novosti
Interview of the Minister of Defense for the " Vecernje novosti"
Defense Minister Nebojsa Rodic in this interview talks about plans, the state of the SAF, procurement of weapons , relations with NATO and Russia : I believe that there will not be a bad scenario for the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija . AS long out position of militray neutrality is valid we will not join the NATO, yet we have to strengthen the combat power of the Army
Kosovo is our greatest security challenges
The biggest challenge in the terms of security remains Kosovo and Metohija and the possible incidents in the territory, which would threaten the Serb population. At this point, because of diplomatic activity and regular cooperation with KFOR , we believe that such an undesirable scenario will not occur. This is what in an exclusive interview with " Novosti " Nebojsa Rodic says , who just a few days ago assumed the function of defence minister, after being the director of the Security Intelligence Agency BIA . A man who has rarely appeared in the media, talking about the situation in the Serbian Army, security risks, relations with NATO and Russia, but also reveals the first moves while in office which he has taken over from Aleksandar Vucic .
Do you, after being the director of BIA , becoming a defense minister is a major challenge?
- This is about a challenge, trust and commitment. Of course it's a challenge to take over such a system that has the most important task - the defense of the country. We know that the Serbian Army enjoys the greatest trust of our citizens, and I would particularly highlight the confidence of young people as seen in a growing number of those who see their future in the defense system. The latest information is that the in September we had 6 times more applicants than envisioned by the plan. As many as 3,295 candidates applied for 560 openings . Recently, we had 5 candidates applying for one opening in the Academy.
Vucic explained his resignation that the system needs a minister who would put all of himself into it. What is your first move?
- The first task will be based on the report of the past work, which I received during handover of duty, from which you can see the priorities . One such large system operates on multiple fronts, but there is continuity in the reform of the defense system, where completion of one tasks is a basis for another. It is an ongoing task to upgrade the system to function best .
What does that mean specifically ?
- It is important , first of all , that the Serbian Army should be enabled to perform its tasks and improve its skills. I refer predominantly to equipping the system with modern weapons and equipment , and our participation in peacekeeping operations remains our orientation for the future . In particular we will be prepared to meet all requirements within the process of European integration.
The top priority is, of course taking good care of our people in the defense system . Which , in your opinion , is the biggest defense challenge for Serbia in the future ?- Defence challenge of a country is to successfully detect changes that may threaten its territory and population, regardless of whether they come closer or further from the environment or from within. I have to say that we are intensively cooperating with all entities that affect the preservation of security in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija . Security risks exist in southern Serbia , where they could be transferred to the territory of central Serbia. Of course , the state security can be compromised and the challenges , risks and threats, of non-military character are various forms of organized crime , corruption, illegal drug trafficking , human trafficking and the destructive effects of certain religious sects.
Is there a danger that, during the implementation of the Brussels agreement and the upcoming elections in Kosovo and Metohija , the position of the Serbs may worsen ?
- Such a risk is always there and that is why I emphasize that we should work intensively so that this does not happen, we are certain that it is in the best interest of both Albanians and Serbs and other ethnic groups in Kosovo and Metohija . All the people in that territory share the same future. We have suffered enough, it is time to act responsibly and in stable conditions, to think of general good.
Does the State have enough funds to adequately complete the reform of the defense system ?
- The reform of the defense system is an extremely complex process in which a lot has been done, and these results may not be threatened . We can talk about slowing down some processes, aware of the difficulties of the total in the company , but it certainly will not harm the defense capability of the state or the vital functions of the defense system Each ministry wants a greater share of the budget money, but we certainly will not try to make their interests threaten general interest . That is why we at the Ministry will try to find and reach for possible internal reserves, and we are certain that the results of measures that have been taken during the previous minister and expected new incentive measures of the Government will yield results that will bring more money into the defense budget for the coming year .
How far have we come when it comes to purchasing Russian aircrafts? How reasonable are the remarks of the opposition that it is unwise to buy these aircrafts at a time of crisis?
- The purchase of Russian fighter planes is just a part of the whole arrangement with our partners related to procurement of modern missile and radar systems, the main aim being to increase the operational and functional capabilities of the Army of Serbia and to create conditions for the fulfillment of obligations on the protection of primarily national but international air corridors too. We are currently negotiating the terms and conditions of implementing these arrangements, whereby we primarily think of defining the price and the conditions under which this process would be implemented .
What is your comment of IMF’s criticism, which is opposed to the purchase of Russian aircraft ?
- With all respect to the opinion of others , we have to make that choice ourselves . Because this is a long-term move with many possible consequences, and therefore needs a sensitive approach to the topic
Is there room for increasing the capacity of our military industry?
- Our defense industry is one of the vital parts of the economic potential of the country. All companies are doing , have a remarkable export performance and the possibility of increasing the capacity of the foreign investments that were already mature water negotiations . With a reminder that we in October commemorate 160 years of military industry in Serbia , we have reason to believe in its vitality , and now , after weathering the most difficult times of sanctions and is present in markets around the world.
Can you expand the circle of countries that we could export arms and ammunition to?
- Foreign investments are welcome in this area. We are working intensively on this and have promising projects. For example, we are working in the production of ammunition only to known customers. Let me just mention that we are collaborating with about 60 countries across the globe. Our advantage is that we meet the world standards, to the west and the east, have forged friendships from Asia and Africa , with whom we used to operate and who have not forgotten us . On the contrary, we are producing for them now as well. Our goal is the realization of promising projects, together with partners to employing more capacity of our companies achieve better export performance and thus reach more customers.
Will we have to join the NATO on our road to the EU?
- The Parliamentary declaration of military neutrality in 2007, is valid for the Ministry of Defence until the decision is in force. On the other hand, we signed a protocol on cooperation with the EU and that cooperation is separate from the question of joining NATO. Serbia is committed to the policy of peace and further contribution to regional , European and wider security, so these are current tasks and activities in which our Ministry continues to work .
NO CONFLICT OF SERVICE
Is there still an intelligence war between military and civilian agencies and to what degree is Serbia interesting to foreign secret services?
- In this business, everyone is interesting. But our civil service and military intelligence agencies work in coordination and correspondence , and this work has been institutionalized, which gives a better overall effect .
PARTY DOES NOT HELP OR HARMS EITHER
After several years at the head of the ministry is not a high ranking party official. Will that be more difficult or easier for you?
- In defense system we have professionals dedicated to this patriotic work, and this is confirmed by the results achieved in the previous year. Jobs in defense is essential for the safety of the state and its citizens, so that the importance of the task to anyone who is in the business means seriousness and commitment , whether they be soldier or civilian in the defense system , whether they are at a higher or a lower place in the party hierarchy . With the full political support I have, which obliges me and that is important for this kind of work , I see no reason why the party hierarchy can impede me or facilitate my work.
