22.05.2009.
Minister Sutanovac Interview to “Vecernje novosti”
In NATO when we want to
“Definitely it can be confirmed that US Vice-president Joseph Biden came in friendly visit with wish that Serbia and USA starts a new era of positive relations, which he has repeated more than once on all meetings” – said for “Novosti” Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac who hosted American official in House of Guard on Topcider. Biden said that our two countries, during the history, were almost always allies and he wishes that it would be the same in the future.Have you had open talks about relations between NATO and Serbia? Were there any requests for joining our country in NATO?
US Vice-president Biden clearly emphasized that USA won’t ask from Serbia to make any decision which would harm her. He understands the reasons why we didn’t agree over Kosovo. He said that NATO`s door are opened for us and that they honestly wish us to accede the Alliance when Serbia fulfills the conditions, because it is the organization which connects USA with Europe and guarantee stability on both sides of the Atlantic.
Our two armed forces cooperate from before, how US Vice-president assesses that cooperation?
He is also satisfied with the cooperation between two AFs and two Ministries. He has wished such relations on other fields as well. I told him in joke: “We are going to concede the license free of charge”. He has also interested in educating our officers and cadets in the USA, as well as for further European and Euro-Atlantic integrations. For aspirations that Serbia would have in PfP, we would have their support.
What was your message to the guest?
We spoke about cooperation, especially in the region. Defence is undoubtedly one of the important pillars between countries connection. Because of that we are insisting on exercises and joint trainings, as well as on other different ways of bilateral military cooperation. In that way confident in SAF and international relations is being regained. I have conveyed him the Government decision to include our medical team in mission in Chad along with the Norwegian contingent. We are fully convinced that our armed forces has to fulfill all of three defined missions, that besides country defence and help to the civilians in case of natural disasters, should participate in preserving world’s peace within peacekeeping operations.
RESPECT TOWARDS ARMED FORCES AND REFORMS
From all of our Ministers, Biden has met person in person only with you. What does that tell you?
Visiting Ministry of Defence shows high level of respect to SAF as well as to the reforms we are implementing in the Ministry. Especially it’s respecting that in though moments for Serbia, AF has shown that it is under democratic and civil control.
