Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia
 
26.12.2010.

Interview of Minister Sutanovac to "Alo"



Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac certainly is the best shooter among ministers. At the shooting test he was better even than some professional soldiers, and when he visited Turkey, hit the terrorist targets right "between the eyes."

He reveals that while he was a young man he practiced shooting, but that his main occupation now are other things - the process of professionalization of the Army of Serbia, the revitalization of the military industry ... Pleased with the recognition that comes from the National Alliance for Local Economic Development as the reformer of the year there is another topic that of being re-elected for vice president of DS.

- The fact that I was re-elected, and the last three and a half years I have not dealt with the party organization, for me is a great honor. The number of votes is not important bearing in mind that I have dedicated myself to a minister’s job, but the party obviously appreciates what I do for the country.

Did Vuk Jeremic congratulated for re-election?
- He congratulated me that night, and I returned congratulations. He has won many votes, considering the fact that it was his first time he ran for vice president.. About thirty percent of delegates voted for his program.

Will there be elections next year
- I think it is not realistic. The government is compact and we all want to finish last year with positive results. 2010 was an extremely difficult year and citizens would not be able to vote with realistic facts in mind, but compared to what is currently happening. I believe that next year we will have more success and that we in the elections after a full term.

Tomislav Nikolic says there will be elections next year, even by force
- Tomislav Nikolic has collected a million signatures for change, then the local elections in cities received less votes than signatures. I do not believe that the citizens are ready to support anything Nikolic has to offer.

Are you ready to face the Napredna stranka
- When it comes to elections, we will be ready to compete with everyone who wants a healthy competition.

As I easily understand they are the strongest opposition party?
- It's time we voted in relation to what is offered, not on what is criticized, as I think it's time to get to our stadium cheering for your team, not to envy someone else’s team. It is easy to be the opposition, but SNS has not yet offered a solution to any problem.

How do you explain that, according to the survey the army enjoys the highest public trust, and your rating and the rating of the government are not at a high level
- If you're among the first 10 people in the country, I think it's a very respectable level. My job is not to be popular, but to reform. I do not trust researchers who perform the public poll survey in Serbia, and especially not those who come up with some strange results just before the election campaign starts.

You believe that this was in the interest of someone’s campaign
- It is certain that this was done for someone’s interests. There are people in Serbia who think that tweaked public opinion polls affect the opinion of citizens, the consciousness and conscience of the Democratic Party.

Maybe someone in your party started the poll?
- It is someone who does not wish us and our party well, and appears before the Assembly.

What is happening with the business of overhauling M84 tanks in Kuwait and the construction of a hospital in Libya

- These are the two biggest project for next year and if we get it, Serbia is definitely becoming a highly-worldwide acclaimed country when it comes to the military economy. These are the jobs of several hundred million euros. With these agreements, along with those that came into force, the mandate of this government with military economic cooperation will bring us 2 billion USD.

Has the money from previous contracts been collected?
- From the previously agreed $ 1.2 billion, about $ 700 million has already been charged, and the rest of it will be paid over the next five years. It is important that any work was not left unfinished or that deadlines were not met , unlike some past times, when we exported, and charged no duties.

Which do you prefer - the Reformer of the Year award or the recognition of the "Night of reklamoždera" campaign "Be a pro"
- I prefer for the reformers. The campaign "Be a pro" reflects the new visual identity and image of the Serbian Army should have in the future.

Why did you not engage Bata Zivojinovic, the greatest film fighter against the occupiers in WWII?
- Bata Zivojinovic has been engaged for the visit of Defence Minister of China. It is remarkable to see the reputation he enjoys in the Chinese army. Bata told me that he likes our campaign, however, we need to focus on young people.

Would you recommend your son to experience the life in uniform
- I teach my sons to be patriots. Predrag and his two companions sang the national anthem of Serbia before General Miletic once before boarding the helicopter, because I told them that they can not fly if they do not know it. If he serves three months in the army, I would be exceptionally pleased.

Are you flying combat aircraft. Are you a parachute jumper as well?
- I asked, but they told me that I was a bit overweight.
Have you tried How did you score?
- I jumped once when I was in Turkey and the target the commander of special units of the Turkish army Servet Juruk signed the target I landed on. Here, see it for yourself (provides the target).

Do you do sports?
- I practiced shooting when I was in elementary school. At the press conference, the Commander of the Ohio National Guard Gregory Wayt said he would like to congratulate Minister Sutanovac, who won in the shooting test beat his soldier. I told him that I am not satisfied with his statement, and he replied: "I could not say that you've won my top shooter." American General McKinley has also asked the same question if I trained. I told him that there is an old custom in Serbia where a groom must hit an apple, the more beautiful bride the smaller the apple.

Do it yourself Assistant

- I cannot decide that, but it is the government’s decision, but it is absurd that the assistants should have a higher salary than ministers. Certainly, this is not a job where one can earn money; it is a job that that needs passion. My goal is to be satisfied with what I did eventually.

It seems that your colleagues have not heard you, because you've said this several times
-Once at an Assembly’s session I said I should maybe suggest apply for my own assistant.. (Laughter)
 
MOD
Ministry of defence Republic of Serbia, Bircaninova 5 street, Belgrade
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