13.02.2015.

The Armed Forces of Serbia returning to Pirot in early 2016

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic began his visit to Pirot today with a tour of the “Third infantry regiment” barracks and a meeting with heads of the local government.

In his statement for the media, Minister reminded that, during his last visit to the city, there had been mention of the return of members of the Armed Forces of Serbia to the “Third infantry regiment” barracks. He said that it would be an investment of great importance for Pirot.

- These barracks, as many others in Serbia, was vacant between 2006 and 2010 with no reason and the General Staff is considering the return of the Armed Forces of Serbia to Pirot, as it has been the case in Zrenjanin and Pozega – Gasic said, adding that it would most likely be realized in early 2016.

Gasic stressed that the barracks are in very good condition because the Armed Forces of Serbia takes good care of its property. He said that the defence system will not have the means for more substantial investments in that military object, but that, in cooperation with the local government, it will be ready for military units in the end of 2015.

Minister added that the Armed Forces of Serbia will not return to the barracks in Dimitrovgrad because it is near Pirot, so there will be no need for that.

President of the Municipality of Pirot Vladan Vasic said that he would be thrilled if the Armed Forces would return to his city. He thanked the Ministry of Defence for the consistent position that had also been expressed during the exchange of military property for apartments. Vasic said that the local government and its companies will do everything to help meet the conditions for the Armed Forces to return to the Pirot barracks.