02.03.2009.
Security at a satisfactory level
Minister Dragan Sutanovac stated during his visit to the Ground Security Zone that security was at a satisfactory level with room for improvement.
"Of course, there is the possibility that incidents might occur, firstly on the other side of the administrative line, but we have had n o such information and we are monitoring the situation in the region”, said Sutanovac in his interview to TANJUG.”
.
The Minister of Defense said that three SAF brigades had been deployed in order to provide top security and stability in this area."I do not doubt that they are capable of providing stability in this region of Serbia with the help of Gendarmerie which is doing its job there”.
The cooperation with KFOr is still at a technical level and we mainating lower-level meeting on regular basis as well as providing one-of patrols in GSZ.
"SAF has no right to discontinue this type of cooperation which benefits both, for the citizens of both Kosovo and Serbia and the security there.
He also expressed his hope that Cepotina military base which is located 5 km away from Bujanovac would be finished son, stressing that this object would be a very important point for the security of the whole Serbia and the control over that part of the region.
"I believe that we will prove Serbia’s determination to gain maximum presence in this area”, stated the minister.
However, little less than 60 million RSD have been allocated for the purchase of new ballistic equipment.
"We also plan to acquire OPTO electronic devices, reconnaissance equipment, and modern arms”, stated Sutanovac reminding that M-21 rifle had been introduced into SAF.
4 new arms had been introduced into SAF arms system, including “plamen” missile with an increased range and more force of destruction.
"We have introduced new explosives, Lasta-a new training plane we worked on for a number of years underwent tests and is ready to go into serial production.
Also domestic production of unmanned air crafts had been, as well as of laser-guided bombs, and “sora” self propelled artillery arms, 122 mm, of increased range will be finalized in 2009, as Sutanovac announced.
