12.11.2010.
Interview with the SAF CHOD
I DO NOT EXPECT ANY VIOLENCE WHEN THE TALKS BETWEEN PRISTINA AND BELGRADE START
I do not expect any serious threats to the state security when a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina once starts I do not expect any incidents or the activation of the red hot line between the Serbian Army - KFOR with the start of the dialogue, which does not mean that this possibility is completely excluded- as LTG Miloje Miletic, Chief of the Army of Serbia says for Blic daily adding that the Army of Serbia is prepared carry pout all assigned tasks.On 18 November LTG Miletic will meet with the KFOR commander in Nis to discuss the cooperation in preserving security in the south of Serbia at the beginning of negotiations.
- The topic of the conversation is not separation, such as has been incorrectly announced by the Pristina newspaper "Koha Ditore", but these are joint activities of SAF with KFOR forces in securing the administrative line and protecting people and the property in Kosovo and Metohija with the aim to prevent any incidents. Neither I nor the commander of KFOR have a mandate to discuss the demarcation, and the position of our government and the state is quite clear - Kosovo is an integral part of Serbia and there is no question of demarcation.
What activities do you plan with KFOR?
-We will discuss the progress of our cooperation. In accordance with military-technical agreement we have had several joint activities and the cooperation is being carried out through joint patrols, reconnaissance and daily exchange of information between commanders of units of SAF and KFOR. When the need arises a red hot line is raised to the top levels.
When was the last time the red line rang?
- This line is used less frequently, and that is good, the last time was activated early last year when there the citizens in Kursumlija were alarmed.
Do you expect incidents after the start of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina?
- It's hard to predict. So far, incidents have been a proven method of those who oppose the peace settlement. The aim of causing accidents is the slow the process of reconciliation. Therefore, it is difficult to exclude this possibility.
Who is behind these incidents?
- The criminal structures who are usually the responsible one for the problems.
It was announced that KFOR would reduce its size?
- We do not support that decision, because the situation on the ground does not allow it. We believe that the decision was premature, but they justify the decision with economic situation. We believe that the reduction of KFOR would legalize the existing situation and with it we can not be satisfied.
Political decision
You have assessed that the SAF have reached an excellent level of cooperation with the NATO, as you have already had joint exercises. Does this mean that the SAF are ready to join NATO if it is decided by the political elite?
- All countries in the region are members of NATO or aspire to it. Our country is committed to cooperation within the Partnership for Peace. The Army will not make any decision about it as it is a political decision. But if the state leadership reaches such a decision, the Army of Serbia will not be an obstacle.
