22.03.2020.
Minister Vulin’s interview with “Večernje novosti”: The Epidemic does not diminish our armed forces’ combat power
- All security structures in Serbia are ready and operational. Our armed forces’ combat readiness has not diminished and they are ready to act in any part of our territory, just as they are ready to protect Serbs no matter where they live - the Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin said in an interview in today's issue of “Večernje novosti”.
He also pointed out that we are closely monitoring the developments in Kosovo and Metohija, such as the attempt to illegally build a bridge in northern Kosovska Mitrovica which has upset the Serbs.
- KFOR’s duty is to maintain peace in Kosovo and Metohija. No one can be deployed in northern Kosovo and Metohija without KFOR’s permission. We are in communication and we have been given assurances that KFOR will do everything to preserve peace and security. The Serbian Armed Forces obey their Supreme Commander, and he has made it clear - the “March pogrom”, “Jasenovac” and operation “Storm” will never happen again - the Minister of Defence emphasized.
In response to a question about the presence of armed members of the Serbian Armed Forces in the streets, Minister Vulin explained that the military are never engaged without weapons and related equipment.
- Armed forces have rules of engagement and they are consistently enforced. In a state of emergency, armed forces carry weapons like everywhere else in the world. I would never allow soldiers to go on a task without maximum protection - Minister Vulin emphasized, adding that the Serbian Armed Forces belong to all their citizens and that he does not believe that there is a single Bosniak who perceives the Serbian Armed Forces as foreign.
- There is not a single Bosniak who would give the life of his child for the dreams of Ugljanin about the war and conflict in the Raška region - said the Minister of Defence.
Responding to a question about the great aid that China has sent us, Minister Vulin said that President Vučić had made a personal friendship with President Xi Jinping, and the relations between the two countries had never been at a higher level.
- Even during the Vuhan crisis, the Ministries of Defence of China and Serbia were in communication. The whole world is seeking help from China. However, China has chosen to help Serbia more and faster than its much more important partners, and we are grateful for that and we will never forget it - said Minister Vulin.
He highlighted the importance of having a strong leadership in times of crisis.
- Vučić has shown what can be done by a man whom Serbia trusts and whom state authorities respect and obey. From the procurement of medicines and respirators to the organization of the system and the functioning of the state, everything is done in a unified and coordinated way, because we have a man who can gather us all and direct us. Serbia has a firm and persistent leader, which means a lot – the Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vulin said in an interview with today's issue of “Večernje novosti”.
