15.02.2013.
General Dikovic's interview to "Vecernje Novosti" daily
We have a plan for each threat
The que
stion of Kosovo's status and situation that there is the greatest security challenge for Serbia. The situation in the province is very sensitive, and the situation could worsen. Serbia's commitment to peaceful overcoming the issues contributes significantly to the improvement of the overall security situation, but it is necessary that such a commitment be reciprocated.This is how the situation in the state is described by Serbian CHOD Ljubisa Dikovic to Vecernje Novosti daily, who by decree of the President Tomislav Nikolic, on the National Day, was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant General into the rank of general. He points out that the Army has reached the required level of operational capability and is ready to fulfill its mission and objectives.
* The beginning of the year was marked by tensions in the Presevo area. How do you assess the current situation in southern Serbia?
- The security situation is stable but fragile. Threats are mainly manifested along the administrative line, where there are several instances of smuggling of goods and trafficking, illegal logging of forest as well as an armed attack on a security checkpoint control and police, near the village of Dobrosin.
Members of the Serbian Army, engaged in tasks in the security zone, significantly contribute to strengthening security in the area. Thanks to them, there are only a few instances of breaching the administrative line. The conduct of military towards the people in this part of the country is professional and will remain so. I emphasize that SAF treats all the citizens the same, regardless of their ethnic, religious or other affiliation.
* Do SAF have a plan for any possible instabilities in the north of Kosovo? Is it possible that the tensions in southern Serbia may spill over into Raska?
- Serious security breaches in the north of Kosovo could lead to raising tensions in southern Serbia. Our country's commitment to dialogue and good cooperation with international forces in Kosovo reduce the possibility of security breaches. The tensions have run high in Raska for a long time in the religious and political level, but the security situation in this part of the country is stable.
As any serious army in the world SAF also plans to respond to a potential crisis. This is why plans have been made as to how to respond to challenges, risks and threats which have been identified in the strategic defense documents. Measures will also be taken to prevent any current, or some emerging crisis. However all of these plans will be handled and decided upon by Serbian leadership.
* Is the Serbian military in any way compromised?
- I do not think so. Although there are security risks Serbia, they are not military in nature. Some factors of security threats are common to all countries in the region. This includes ethnic and religious extremism, international networks of organized crime and illegal migration of people. These are therefore the challenges that are not specifically military-related and this is no exception.
* Are you satisfied with the cooperation between Army and KFOR?
- There is no doubt that the Serbian Army has a fair and professional relationship with KFOR, which is based on respect for the agreements and procedures on the behavior and actions along the administrative line. Our cooperation is in order to strengthen security. We regularly perform joint activities. For example, in January of this year, we had nine joint patrols and a control.
* It's been over a year since you have been at the head of the General Staff. How would you describe the state of the SAF? What is the effect of the reform and professionalization?
- Professional soldiers have been admitted to military service and trained for military duties. What we now have to do is make an analysis of the functioning based on the lessons learned. The main question is that of equipping the units with new or modernized weaponry and military equipment. State leadership understands this, and there is political will for major breakthroughs in the field of procurement of new weapons and equipment.
I am particularly pleased with all members of the Serbian Army who perform tasks in the security zone, to help the people affected by natural disasters, who also participate in multinational operations and conscientiously fulfill the obligations that the military profession entails. Our strength is in its people, men and ladies in uniform. An army that cannot fulfill constitutional role should not exist. Every serious country in the world today is strengthening its military capabilities.
Of course, there is always room for improvement of large systems such as the military, and we have plans for that. We are especially pleased with the fact that the Ministry of Defence as part of the Government of Serbia, understands our problems and takes action to address them. Regardless of the difficulties, I am an optimist. The moment you feel that there is no progress, I will ask for more capable officers to help out. That serves as a contribution to the military and logical step of every officer in managerial positions.
* How to develop cooperation with the SAF armed forces in the region, and defense systems with which we have partnerships?
- Any activity of the Serbian Army as part of international military cooperation has focused above all on strengthening Serbia's image in the world and improving the operational capability of our military. Priority during the past year was the cooperation with the countries, regions and Europe. We participated in important regional security initiatives, such as the Conference of the Balkan countries CHODs. As part of these actions I visited Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Greece, Poland and Turkey, where I met with the chiefs of staff, defense ministers, and in some places the presidents of those countries. On the other hands we were visited by the CHODs of Austria, Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Spain, as well as the Deputy Chief of General Staff of Romania and Slovenia. For each country it is important to have good relations with the countries in its neighbours and those more remote countries which affects its security, economy, prosperity ...
* What kind of cooperation do you expect from the program "Partnership for Peace" and the NATO?
- Serbia's membership in the "Partnership for Peace", which dates from 2006, opened room for the promotion of defense cooperation with many countries, members of the program and NATO, while respecting the neutrality of our country. From a military point of view, it is important to raise the level of competence of the Serbian Army. In the framework of the "Partnership for Peace" we primarily deal with planning, the concept of operational capabilities and building defense institutions. Our aim is to make SAF recognizable as a respectable power and a reliable partner in solving the problem of security in the region and the world. This is the course our future cooperation will take.
* Serbia and its army have for years now shown interest in participating in multinational operations. How many SAF members take part in peacekeeping missions?
- At the moment we have 110 members of the Serbian Armed Forces engaged in six multinational UN operations in Liberia, Cote d Ivoire, Congo, Lebanon, Cyprus and the Middle East as well as in an EU mission in Uganda. They perform their tasks professionally and responsibly, they are the pride of Serbia. Serbian army and security forces reflect and represent our state.
* What are the concrete benefits from the participation in international peacekeeping operations?
- It is very important for Serbia's foreign policy, national security and the development of defense. Engagement of the Serbian forces its reputation in the international community and provides support from other countries for the achievement of other strategic objectives.
I would particularly emphasize the impact that involvement in multinational operations have on strengthening their capacities. We must follow the development of military thought and contemporary trends of security and defense. Our units that participate in these operations go through several stages of preparation during which they are trained and equipped according to the highest standards, and then check their skills by engaging in the field.
* What are SAF’s priorities in 2013 when it comes to these operations?
- Our main focus will be on training, and which will be labor-intensive and of top-notch quality, as well as equipping the best available resources for efficient execution of tasks. Serbian Army will participate in eight multinational operations and, engaged in a UN "stand-by" arrangement, with more than 450 of our officers and soldiers contributing to the safety of people around the world.
TOGETHER WITH 19 ARMIES
* What activities enhance the readiness of our armed forces?
- The exercises, exchange of experience, application and testing of knowledge and skills in joint training activities are most important for the soldiers and officers of the Serbian Army. I am pleased to note that last year in Germany we participated in the multinational exercise "Cyber Junction", with members of 19 countries. Otherwise, we intend to improve cooperation with the armed forces of Germany in the future, with whose chief of the General Staff, General Wieker, I have recently met in Brussels.
COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA IS GETTING BETTER
* What is the cooperation with great powers, the U.S. and Russia?
- Cooperation with the armed forces of the United States, especially with the Ohio National Guard as part of State Partnership of the U.S. with Serbia is excellent. Cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is improving and we expect a significant change, which is natural, because of the excellent relations between our two countries. In May I will visit Russia at the invitation of their Chief of Staff.
