11.09.2010.

Promotion of new officers

The ranks of the Army of Serbia of today have today received an infusion of 130 new officers. The ceremonial parade in front of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, in the presence of President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, ministers, military officials, state and military delegations of the United States, Italy, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the diplomatic corps, representatives of the European Association of Military Journalists, numerous distinguished guests from home and abroad and citizens, the accomplished graduates of 130th and 131st Class of the Military Academy were presented to the nation. Although the newly promoted 134 officers would end the ceremony by traditionally throwing of the military hats, four new officers will continue their career in the Army of Montenegro.

The first in the rank of lieutenants was Nikola Fejsov with GPA of 9.73, the second is Ivan Tubin with an average 9.51, while the third top cadet is Milos Randjelovic with an average score of 9.35.

The President of the Republic, presented traditionally officer sabers to the first three cadets, stating that he was honored to be present at the fifth formal promotion ceremony of Second Lieutenant of the Army of Serbia.

The youngest Second Lieutenants that stand before us, along with their younger counterparts, military academy cadets, constitute the main body of the future of our defense system. Strength, tenacity, which, I see, adorn this line of officers, assures us that the time off peace, security and tranquility is coming. Their parents are rightly proud of, and proud we are too, the citizens of Serbia, of these young men and women and the Military Academy who maintains the tradition of training Serbian officers have full 160 years - said President Tadic.

He stressed that we should be proud of the fact that the Military Academy is open to all countries of our region, but all the countries of Europe and the world. In this way, he said, linking our high military education with international education in the field of security which in fact and in practice contributes to the doctrine according to which the military in any democratic society the modern world an instrument of foreign policy and one of the key factors of each country's international credibility.

Our age is fraught by many temptations for humanity, unfortunately, we still have no adequate solution. Climate changes and the ever-pressing imperative for the discovery of new energy and technology in food production in response to population expansion, as well as such issues as global terrorism and global organized crime, religious and political extremism are all those difficulties we are facing today. Today is the day to remember all innocent victims of the terrorist attacks in New York which took place on11th September 2001, said the President.

Tadic said that we live in a time of deep global economic crisis when there is a shift in powers in international politics. Under these circumstances, Serbia, which is only 11 years ago was caught in the whirlwind of war with the super power of the world resulting in severe consequences that are still felt, said the president, seeks its place in modern political world and in the European Union.

- In this time seeking political solution to the most complex state historical question, the problem of Kosovo and Metohija, we have opted, after the tragic consequences of war, to protect our integrity in Kosovo exclusively through peaceful, legal and diplomatic means through the institutions of the United Nations. This is the only way to simultaneously protect the integrity of our country and people's lives, their family, material goods and, in fact, our common future - said Tadic.

Such an approach to this state, legal, national, historical issue crucial to us and those who remained in Kosovo as President said was the only legitimate approach because it derived only from the will of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, which has been confirmed many times over the past decade.

- The central principles of this policy are stated in the paragraph that Serbia does not recognize and will never recognize the illegal independence of Kosovo and Metohija. This problem can be solved through dialogue and peaceful negotiations, which should lead to a mutually acceptable solution. The agreement we reached with 27 countries of the European Union, some of which have recognized by the so-called Kosovo's independence and the resolution adopted by acclamation at the UN General Assembly opens up the possibility of dialogue and protects Serbia's right to peaceful and diplomatic means of defending its own integrity and legitimate interests in Kosovo at the same time respecting the legitimate rights of the Albanian people - said the President of Serbia

Tadic said that this is the most important political achievement of the EU representatives to continue the integration of Serbia into the community of European nations.

- And now, as well as a few years ago when we signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement there are those who for the sake of their own personal and political gain continue with disseminating this notorious falsehood, that in this way, Serbia withdrew from Kosovo. As it was obvious then that it was not true, it is still common now during the adoption of resolution by 28 European countries. Many times I have said that the Kosovo problem was a very difficult one and we are now, after the UN General Assembly in a very difficult situation and says that as there is no room for being triumphant, so there is no place either defeatism or deceit. We'll find a way out of this situation, believing in our just struggle, believing in the international political and legal order and belief in the correctness of our goals - underlined Tadic.

However, our vote in the United Nations, he said, includes certain obligations we have taken. The UN Charter obliges Member States to place at the disposal its armed forces and other forces to maintain peace in the world and therefore, as President said, Serbia places great importance to the UN involvement in the field of promoting and preserving peace and security in the world and is committed to participate in the system of collective security.

- This world show a clear and firm position and check the consistency of our foreign policy, which is striving to resolve all disputes by peaceful means, through dialogue that leads to compromise. Only in such a way Serbia can provide partner and friendly relations with major international factors and provide support for the realization of their state and national goals and economic development and increase standards. Continuing investment in their economic future, intensive infrastructure works, construction of roads and bridges, Serbia will continue to build and renew the bridges of friendship - he said.

- In foreign policy we are also doing everything to build a new and rebuild old bridges of cooperation, friendship and understanding. Restoration of political and economic partnership will be the focus of public policy because it is good for the state and our citizens. To abandon such a path would be very damaging and lead the country into isolation and complete economic uncertainty, and security risks to the state with unforeseeable consequences, "said Tadic, adding that Serbia is the central political goal of EU membership.

- The greatest interest of all citizens is to become equal and respected part of the European nations, while raising the quality of life of citizens who want to achieve high standards of developed countries - said Tadic.

Noting that the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia guarantees the minorities and all people the right to diversity, and the right to difference is the assumption of a free society, Tadic said that Serbia is the house of all its citizens regardless of their ethnic origin, religious belief and personal identity.

This is why the state of Serbia will treat respect to all its citizens equally and ensure that everyone realizes the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

But Serbia expects its citizens to respect their homeland and to waive any incitement to violence. The state of Serbia will not tolerate any violence or threats to any other institution or government body. In any kind of violent situation or in the case of violation of basic human and democratic rights, the Serbian authorities will act in accordance with its statutory authority , and everyone should be aware of. Only the state has the right to use force in accordance with the law and the state will protect all its citizens regardless of their national, religious, gender or political affiliation. Serbia will not allow violence, Serbian state is and will be free for all its people, nations, and religions to live in it and there - said President Tadic.

A strong and modern Serbia, said the President, should have a strong and modern army, because only such a Serbian, with such an army can be a factor of peace and stability.

- That is why we can have access to reform and professionalization of the army which will be completed early next year. Then our defense system will have 36 thousand members of well-trained professionals. Practice has shown that a professional army is more efficient and affordable than the traditional recruiting composition. This process is not just a reform of the armed forces but also the reform of society today, when the whole world system tends to be more professional and an effective way to respond to modern challenges, risks and threats. This does not mean that Serbia and its army closed the door for those who want to serve the national service. So the army is a central security institution open for all our citizens and the entire public - said the president of Serbia.

Congratulating the youngest Second Lieutenants their first commission, President Tadic said:
- The citizens of Serbia and myself expect you to meet your obligations honestly, responsibly and professionally, to honestly serve the people and the country who take pride in the best traditions of our glorious ancestors, our famous warriors. However, should the need arise, God forbid, you must defend Serbia and always keep our peace and the glory of the Serbian military tradition.

Brigadier General Mladen Vuruna, Chief of the Military Academy reminded that this year this institution celebrates its 160th years of Serbian military education and the institution of higher education is entering the final phase of reforms.

- An amendment to the Law on Higher Education has been made followed by a complete integration of the military school system into the university system of Serbia according to the standards and requirements of the Republic of Serbia. We introduced a new course that is accredited by the military academy alone or in cooperation with the faculties of universities in Serbia, thus raising the quality of studies to a higher level. Military Academy is accredited as a scientific research institution that will help us in fulfilling our basic mission - better education and training of the Serbian Army officers - Gen. Vuruna.

He pointed out that by the end of the remaining reforms to modernize training programs throughout his career officers and to employ excess capacity and education of foreign students for the national defense industry. Vuruna stressed that it is necessary to put the science of defending the place that belongs to them.

The Head of the Military Academy said that the institution has over the past year carried out all the assigned tasks.

One third of the activities were carried out on polygons and terrains, in units of VS and other institutions. We have successfully carried out 170 firing activities from various weapons, from last September, have printed over 40 textbooks. WE have had lectures given by the Prime Minister, ministers from the country and abroad , Secretary of State, foreign lecturers, and other generals of the Army. This year we had 65 delegations from 32 countries visit Serbia, while the members of the academy were in official visit to 19 countries. The military high school education was completed by 51 student and for the first time they all passed the exam of the Military Academy - said Vuruna

- This year 20 officers from Algeria finished master's studies in the Military Academy.

In addition to studies and training we conducted over 30 short courses, mostly foreign language, which trained about 400 persons. At the undergraduate level about 800 cadets are educated for all specialties. Among them we have new Second Lieutenants, cadets 130th and 131st class, the youngest officers of the Serbian Army and the Army of Montenegro - said the general Vuruna

He pointed out that the young Second Lieutenants finished their four-and five-year school with an average grade of 7.69 and this is the first generation who gets a diploma recognized in Serbia and beyond.

The top student of generation Nikola Fejsov promised to justify the confidence of young officers.

- I stand today in front of young men who have chosen the difficult, but an honorable vocation –an officer’s vocation, and I can say on behalf of us who today became the youngest officers of the Army of Serbia, we will perform all assigned tasks responsibly and honorably as we are obliged

by the tradition of the Serbian Army and the Military Academy, long tradition of full 160 years. Our ancestors showed us how to serve in the fatherland, and our duty is to follow in their footsteps - said second lieutenant Fejsov.

Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac awarded the guns to the best of Second Lieutenant by battalions LF, air force and air defense and Logistics, Dusan Stanic Slobodan Vukojevic and Jovan Vli?kovi? respectively

The Honorary Guard brigade under the command of Major Mark Marjanovic performed egzercir attractive, while the fighters flew over Belgrade.

- Serve the people honestly and be proud of the fatherland - said the plane pilot Major Bojan Milosavljevic. In the end the newly promoted officers threw their officers’ hats.