28.05.2015.

Send-off ceremony for SAF members joining the peacekeeping mission in Lebaon

A send-off ceremony for members of the infantry company of the Fourth Army Brigade and the platoon of the Third Military Police Battalion, who will join the UNIFIL multinational operation in Lebanon was held at the "First Infantry Regiment of Prince Milos the Great' in Vranje today.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic, Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Jovica Draganic, Army Commander Lieutenant General Milosa Simovic, representatives of the city of Vranje, Pcinja District, Municipality of Trgoviste, families and friends of the soldiers and senior staff members that are joining the peacekeeping mission, and other guests.

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic handed Commander of the infantry company Major Goran Dejanovic and Commander of the Force Protection Platoon Captain Vladimir Cvetkovic the flags of the Republic of Serbia, and they stressed that they would conduct all assigned tasks responsibly, professionally and honourably, and that they would worthily represent the Serbian Armed Forces and the Republic of Serbia.

Minister Gasic wished the peacekeepers a safe trip to Lebanon, good health and successful execution of tasks that would make the Serbian Armed Forces and the Serbian people proud.

“With the deployments in peacekeeping operations, Serbia confirms its interest and the intention to concretely contribute to regional, European and world security, and abidance of the international law and peace. Strengthening peace and security, as the basis for overall development, contributes to protection of universal values of the international system, such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Republic of Serbia considers the deployment of SAF members in multinational operations across the world an important element of its foreign policy. With our participation, we show that we are an active factor in preserving international peace and security, and that we continue the liberation tradition and confirm our reputation”, Minister Gasic stressed.

Addressing the SAF members, he also said:

- Next to professionalism, you will be asked to show extra efforts, responsibility and devotedness in execution of peacekeeping tasks in an international environment and specific conditions. Your deployment in this mission, as always, will be the proof of top training and capabilities of a Serbian soldier to conduct assigned tasks. Colleagues deployed before you have been assessed with highest marks, and awarded with acknowledgments by UN representatives and partner countries, which more than obligates us to continue the same way. You have accepted the challenge, and now the goal is to conduct the task safely, securely and professionally, respecting the cultures of others, and being proud of your own. Convey the message of peace and friendship with your words and actions. The Serbian Armed Forces will always be there for you, in daily contact, following everything that happens in the mission”.

Infantry company Commander Major Goran Dejanovic told us that the senior staff and soldiers of the formation had completed their training on Borovac training field at South base.

“It is my great honour and pleasure to represent my country, people and military, and I hope that the deployment in the mission will bring me new experience and knowledge”, Major Dejanovic said.

Commander of the Force Protection Platoon Captain Vladimir Cvetkovic stated that the military police officers would primarily deal with securing the staff, mobile means and objects in the mission.

The love for the military, uniforms and work motivated Corporal Sanja Strikovic to participate in multinational operations, and she believes that the experience and knowledge gained in the peacekeeping mission will enable her to advance in her career. “My parents and friends are proud of me – Sanja said – as much as I am proud of my uniform, the company, the brigade and the Serbian Armed Forces”.

Senior Sergeant First Class Radoslav Veljkovic was seen off by his wife Ivana, sons Stefan and Andrija and daughter Dunja. The family is happy that their husband and father will preserve peace in a far-off country, and they organized well, so that his absence would not be felt as much in the family life.