14.11.2011.
Director of VBA Svetko Kovac's interview to Dnevnik
SECURITY SITUATION STABLE, KOSOVO IS THE BIGGEST THREAT
The greatest threat to the defense and the Republic of Serbia are the security concerns related to the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo, organized crime and corruption, the activities of foreign intelligence services, some extremist groups, and other individual issues, which pose a potential threat or less important.
Thanks to preventive measures, organized crime and corruption are no longer not a major threat to the defense, but can not be ignored - said in an exclusive interview to "Dnevnik" daily director of the Military Security Agency (VBA) Svetko Kovac. Today, when the Military Security Agency is marking its day to commemorate the 12th November when in 1839 the first law was enacted which listed all forms of threats to the security of the army, our interlocutor is pleased to note that in the last year another major safety issue has been solved- all the munitions were stored.
What is the situation in southern Serbia and in the Ground Safety Zone
- The security situation in southern Serbia and in the GSZ is relatively stable. In the previous period there was no threat to the Serbian Army in the Ground Safety Zone. However, there are still indicators that suggest the possibility of complication. In addition to the existence of criminal and terrorist groups, there are secessionist demands, the demands for demilitarization of the region, as well as provocation and other activities of some extremist organizations and groups.
Has the reform of the Agency, which may have lasted longer, been completed?
- The planning of the reform has lasted since 2002 to 2010. Although this seemed like a long time, primarily due to reasonable requests to the security services have quickly reformed, turned out to be well planned and realistic target. From our point of view we are very pleased with the results of reforms since we have completed the normative-legal framework for the security sector. In organizational terms there has been a high degree of operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Agency, as well as great progress in equipping modern operational and technical resources, and particularly in the field of personnel management. Of course, the most competent evaluations of reforms that VBA provide competent and professional public. I do not think that the reform process is completed, but will continue in accordance with current safety requirements. In the 21st century, we must constantly adapt in order to have gone a step ahead of current risks and threats.
How does agency's new role follow the appropriate technical and technological modernization
- In today's conditions it is difficult to keep up the pace with the rapid development of modern technologies and their use within the intelligence, terrorist or other threats. Modern challenges and threats dictate the pace. For the professional work of the service modern technology is essential. The Security Agency, thanks to the understanding of the top state leaders, are apprised of the technical and technological development of our agency. We managed to fit the contemporary operational and technical resources that can be used in the most complex actions.
Under MSA’ s jurisdiction falls the detection of criminal activity and corruption in MoD and SAF. What are results have been achieved in this segment in the last year?
- During this year there were no cases of organized criminal activity and the number of individual cases of abuse of power and corruption is declining every year. The prevalence and consequences of corruption in the defense does not present a significant threat, but given the specificity and sensitivity of the defense system, we are required to take effective preventive and repressive measures.
Are control measures implemented?
- Military Security Agency surveillance measures applied by members of the Army and MoD only by court order and in accordance with the detailed procedures precisely. If these measures are applied to civilians that exhibit an activity of the defense system to be implemented in cooperation with the Security Intelligence Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. I would particularly like to emphasize that the application of these control measures by the competent authorities for the control of security services. It controls the validity of the measures, the legal basis, compliance with prescribed procedures, the time period and all other aspects.
What kind of interest have foreign intelligence services showed for the state of the MoD and SAF, and has there may have been some of abuse ?
- In the past, the Ministry of Defense and the Army of Serbia were the focus of interest of foreign intelligence services, primarily for the purpose of monitoring the content, pace and direction of implemented reforms in the defense system. Foreign agencies are interested in what ways we equip the modern combat systems, resources, weapons and military equipment and, of course, as well as in our top command and management MoD and SAF staff. Intensified international military cooperation we have established with a large number of intelligence and security services of other countries has contributed to greater building of confidence.
Milan Bozokin
