16.03.2020.
Support for the engagement of the Serbian Armed Forces and measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
The Club of Generals and Admirals of Serbia, the Association of Military Pensioners of Serbia and the retired generals Ljubiša Diković, Vladimir Lazarević and Božidar Delić have supported the measures taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus infection.
The President of the Assembly of the Club of Generals and Admirals, retired Lieutenant General Milomir Miladinović pointed out that he fully supports the decision to introduce a state of emergency which was made based on the professionals’ estimates. “The decision was made in the interest of all of us. The most important thing at this point is to take measures to prevent the spread of this disease and we have to respect the professionals, particularly when it comes to human health,” said general Miladinović."The armed forces are in the service of the people and they should help in this situation, first of all by securing the state border and they should contribute to the full implementation of the measures prescribed during the state of emergency in the interest of all the citizens of the Republic of Serbia," General Miladinović pointed out. He also advised the pensioners and war veterans to be as disciplined now, as they were when they executed orders during the war and, given the gravity of the situation, to act in accordance with the decisions which the Government has made on the basis of the professionals’ opinions.
The President of the Association of Military Pensioners of Serbia, Lieutenant General Ljubomir Draganjac pointed out that he fully supports all the measures taken by the Republic of Serbia in the fight against the coronavirus.“It is very important that we adhere to all measures to prevent an epidemic. The Association has sent a letter today to all its affiliates across Serbia, pointing out the importance of disciplined behaviour and strict adherence to all the measures in accordance with the state of emergency declared last night,” stated General Draganjac.
Retired General Ljubiša Diković points out that we have had numerous difficult situations so far, but that we can manage and work successfully even then. "It is only important that we be disciplined and even more self-disciplined, to adhere to the prescribed measures, without irresponsible self-will that will lead to even more serious consequences. The engagement of the Serbian Armed Forces will have a positive effect, because the military know their job, which they showed and proved in other difficult situations that we had. People trust their armed forces. Their appearance and operation is reassuring and boosts confidence, which is very important for this difficult battle we are waging and which we will be able to win through team discipline with as few consequences as possible," said General Diković.
Retired Lieutenant General Vladimir Lazarević points out that measures to prevent viral infection are right and timely, and he called on all citizens to be disciplined in order to protect themselves and others. "The goal is to prevent the grave consequences of this global problem, so I urge all citizens to be self-disciplined, responsible, supportive, selfless and above all unified in order to prevent the epidemic from spreading massively," said General Lazarević.He emphasized the importance and role of the Serbian Armed Forces, which have the responsible task of helping the citizens and other state authorities to implement the measures effectively. "I am certain that the Serbian Armed Forces, being an organized system, will carry out this task successfully and that they will be as strong and organized as they were 21 years ago, when we had a state of emergency and war on our territory. We did not surrender then, and we will not surrender now. We will endure, we just need to be disciplined and responsible," said General Lazarević.
Retired Major General Božidar Delić warns that this is a really serious situation and that we can expect the increase in the number of infected people in the coming period. "That is why it is important for us to adhere to all the prescribed measures, not to go out unless it is absolutely necessary, to be aware of the situation and the dangers of this global disease," General Delić said, emphasizing the double role of the Serbian Armed Forces. "Serbian Armed Forces will fulfil their tasks, no doubt about that, because they have the knowledge and skills in the fields of military healthcare and CBRN and all the other necessary fields. But the presence of the military is particularly important because it emphasises the seriousness of approach to this problem and the need to act in a disciplined and responsible way,” said General Delić.