06.10.2009.
Minister's interview to Vecernje Novosti
WE WILL EVEN ALIGN THE SECRETS
There are no quarrels in the government as all ministers are working jointly on the forthcoming visit of the Russian president Medvedev and there are no disagreements about that. The law on rationalization of state administration won’t cause a destabilization to the government either, even though the ministers from the Socialist Party of Serbia say they will not dismiss any employees.
This was stated in an interview to “Vecernje Novosti” by defense minister Dragan Sutanovac who believes that the state administration is too rigid and should undergo reforms, where the government should be the first to reduce the number of ministers.- We should seek a solution which would reduce public expenditures, and would speed up the work of public administration and this could be achieved only through reform.
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The SPS minister oppose to any further layoffs, and one of their main arguments is that the state administration has increased in number since 5 October when they lost elections.
- According to the information I possess, the administration has been increased by barely 1000 people. We tend to easily forget that some ministries like the Ministry of Defense, of Foreign Affairs, and partly of Justice and Finance existed at the level of federal state. The Ministry of Defense and of Foreign Affairs were then added to the Government of the Republic of Serbia. We have inherited a rather rigid administration opposing to modernization, which entails fewer work posts, more effective work and there lies the biggest problem.
Nevertheless, if the socialists do not want to support this law in the parliamentary process, will you as for LDP’s “assistance” once again?
- I took no part in preparing this law, yet I believe that those dealing with this will make sure they get the majority vote for passing this law.
Is the reconstruction of the Government definitely placed ad acta?
- The fact is we could have a smaller government, and as an optimal number we are talking about 14 to 17 members of the government. However, this should have been done when we first formed the government.
Is it true that there has been an argument between you and Minister Jeremic regarding the preparations for the arrival of President Medvedev on 20 October?
- These are all lies. The arrival of President Medvedev is only one segment, and completely another the marking of our victory over fascism. I have told my colleagues, on the Council for Cherishing the Tradition of Liberation Wars, I am chairing, that it is only logical for our ministry and the armed forces to participate in the organization of celebration. The State Secretary in MoD also included in the preparations for this celebration, and this has nothing to do with Medvedev’s visit.
Has the army started preparations for the arrival of Medvedev?
- Yes, there are protocol and other security-related obligations and I am confident that everything will be at the top level.
Do you believe that Serbia will soon be invited to join?
- This process is still a vague option and I cannot see this invitation being sent by the end of my mandate.
Since you yourself have recently stated that you would need a lot of courage to persuade the citizens that it would be a good idea, do you think that this idea will eventually mature in the minds of our citizens?
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The citizens should be acquainted with the pros and cons of our entry into NATO. We cannot oppose the participation in this organization, while forging friendly relations with NATO member states such as Greece, Romania or Spain. The world does not look upon this kind of hypocrisy with a benevolent eye, and the economic gain is indisputable.
Will our joining EU depend on our entering NATO?
- WE have received assurances from NATO states to statesmen that these tow processes were not interdependent and that no one will condition our EU membership by joining NATO.
Are you preparing yourself for the election session of your party’s assembly?
-Ever since I was elected Vice President of the Party and the Minister of Defense, I have been preparing for the upcoming primaries, however, not because of the post, but in order to justify the trust with my results. If the party is satisfies with the results I have achieved so far, I will be reelected, which would be a great honour for me.
What are the most important novelties in the law on defense and military services, which will be discussed today in the parliament ?
- The regular agenda of the Parliament’s session contains six laws and two defense system strategies which would enable the necessary modernization of the defense system and the continuation of activities towards reaching full professionalization of the army. One of the most important laws is that on VOA and VBA, and the most important novelties are those which involve strengthened supervision and monitoring of the work of these services.
Will these regulations bring true civil control over military agencies and will the adoption of these laws contribute to removing the seal of confidentiality from these services?
- the agencies were given precisely-defined authority to address the current threats, while at the same time supervision and control of executive powers over have been strengthened, besides the authority of the President of the Republic and the Assembly Council. As for the labels given to these agencies we tries to remove such labels and restore the long lost repute to these military agencies.
another new thing is introducing the institute of general inspectorate. What will be his authority??
- I am certain that this will enable us to get even greater control of the legitimacy of VOA and VBA’s actions. The inspector can in no way influence the activities of these agencies or direct them, he is there only as a supervisor. He does not care about the information but rather about the way he was given this info-whether it is legal or not. Inspector is not an executive organ, but an organ of control, and it will be subordinate to the civil authorities.
WE DO NOT CONSIDER NEW ELECTIONS
There were speculations that Serbia will have new elections as early as next spring. Is this under consideration?
- We haven’t even thought about elections, and it would be most beneficial for Serbia if this government lasted its whole mandate, in order to see the finalization of reforms. If we have elections every year, we will see no end to reforms.
ACCIDENTALLY GAVE THE LARGEST SUM OF MONEY
Recently reports on party incomes were published? How come that you were the one how gave the largest sum to your party?
- I love my party, and this is another way of my helping it. I had no idea I allotted the largest sum of money.
Author: Ljiljana Begenisic
