03.04.2010.
Interview with Defence Minister Dragan Šutanovac in “Blic” daily
THOUSAND FLATS TO THE MILITARY BY THE END OF THE YEAR
Regarding the announcement that the defence industry is to accomplish almost billion dollar worth exports to the markets from Indonesia to America this year. - We have the best placement of products with traditionally friendly countries from the Near East and North Africa. With these countries we also have a many-year long experience in training their soldiers at our Military Academy, so we are also exporting knowledge – Šutanovac said.
How many apartments will the military distribute to its members, regarding the ceded redundant barracks?
- The fact is that after many years we have begun solving the housing issues. In the past two years, more than 2,000 families were taken care of being assigned a flat or granted subsidized residential loans. I expect that in accordance with the plans we solve at least another thousand housing issues this year.
What about people who are not assigned housing and who are allowed housing benefit. Is it possible to find a flat with the allowance of 12,000 dinars?
- We are speaking about the money that is received on top of salaries or pensions, which should help in short-term solving of the housing issue! Unfortunately, that money is not sufficient to allow flat rental in central Belgrade municipalities but this is sufficient money for solving that issue throughout Serbia. I have no understanding for those who now say they are homeless, receiving at the same time an allowance by which they can afford to provide decent housing! There are also those who have been receiving the allowance for housing for years, while owing the defence system hundreds of thousands dinars. As a rule, they are the loudest in seeking their rights.
Will you be able to complete the professionalization of the military by the end of the year as you promised?
- The process of professionalisation of the military is certainly one of the major social reforms in Serbia. Let us remember just how much interest was sparked by the introduction of alternative civil service opportunity. I deeply believe that this will be the year in which conscripts are called up for national service for the last time.
You say that two times more people applied to professional soldiers, and five times more students to military schools. Why is the military so interesting at once, when the salaries are not so good?
- We can always be unsatisfied with the salaries, but if we compare the standard now and years ago, it is clear that it has been greatly improved and that the system finally works. I think it is still the most important fact that we have restored the reputation of the military calling and regained the trust of the citizens in the military.
Is there a danger that we do not have enough aircraft to control our air space?
- For two years we have repaired more aircraft than in the past decade. Unfortunately, this is not enough because the repairs can not be carried out indefinitely because the aircraft have life cycle. The only solution is a clear policy towards modernization and acquisition of the new ones. The air space control is not disputed, but the accomplishment of the tasks from all the three missions is under question.
When will the military pensions be separated from the budget of the Ministry of Defence and enter into the same basket with the civil pensions?
- I believe that it will happen by the end of the year, but that does not depend only on the Ministry of Defence.
In which peace operations will our soldiers take part?
- We are negotiating on the participation in three new peacekeeping missions. As soon as we have concrete information about that we will release it.
Do you believe that a million of Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) signatures will be enough to force elections?
- Million SNS signatures, even they do not believe in it! Even if it is so, it is half of what Nikolic won at the elections. This is a good form of non-parliamentary struggle, but if you do not offer a programme for solving key problems, then your work is in vain. The citizens want changes, but they do not want SNS to rule, but the changes that will be performed by this government.
Early elections – which could lead to them?
- There is no real reason for the elections, and least ready for them is opposition “waiving” with a million signatures, not knowing what to do with them. Serbia does not need elections, but stability. It is important that this government fulfils the entire term in order for the reform to be carried out and the policy which was supported by the citizens at the elections implemented.
What will be the thing that the ruling coalition will be able to go out before the citizens coming to the polls?
- The completed road corridors, increased exports - and not only of the defence industry products, completed reforms in the judiciary, professional military, the status of candidate for EU membership ...
MISSILE SHIELD DOES NOT JEOPARDIZE OUR SECURITY
To what extent the neutrality of Serbia became more complicated from the moment when it has been announced that an American missile shield might come to our borders, particularly to Romania and Bulgaria?
- Every sort of neutrality in the neighbourhood where everybody is aligned is very difficult and financially demanding. Announcement of the approaching of the missile shield to Serbia does not jeopardize the security of our country.
