29.03.2010.
Interview with Defence Minister Dragan Sutanovac in “Alo” daily
THERE WILL BE NO ELECTIONS BEFORE 2012!
Defence Minister Dragan Sutanovac is convinced that the government will stay the entire term and will carelessly open the champagne in the spring to – in honour of the first billion dollars of contracted weapons for export. In his interview for "Alo!" he rejected speculation that the opposing voices that we hear these days in the government, as well as the preparation of “Telekom” to be sold, lead to new elections. - In any coalition government, there are issues on which a debate is conducted, but at the moment we do not think about calling the election. The fact that the Prime Minister said what is being planned with the money from the sale of “Telekom” tells that the thinking is for the medium term, because the infrastructure can not be renewed in several months. There will be no elections before 2012 – Šutanovac says while the discreet music can be heard in the background at which the Defence Minister relaxes – hits of “Faithless”, “Depeche Mode” ...
Minister Vuk Jeremic claims that Serbia would not accept “independence of Kosovo, centralization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and joining NATO”?
- These issues should be discussed only when they come on the agenda. The Kosovo issue is current and nobody in government structures does not support Kosovo's independence. The issue of NATO is as important as we wanted to participate in the Partnership for Peace, where Serbia can achieve great benefit.
What would you answer regarding the dilemma of Kosovo or the EU?
- At this time, two-thirds majority of the world did not recognize Kosovo, five EU countries and four NATO members. I would assume that, before anyone could put such a condition for us, these EU countries should be first asked whether they remain in the Union or recognise Kosovo. I think that Serbia will not have this dilemma.
In Algeria you made a contract for an export business for the military industry. What is the value of that contract?
I can not reveal the amount, but it is a breakthrough our defence industry to the countries of North Africa. We have an excellent opportunity to return to the markets of Egypt, Libya, but also Kuwait.
You said that your goal is one billion dollars in exports of military industry. When will you come close to that amount?
- With the contract with Algeria we are already close. I think that in April or May we will be opening champagne for the first billion of contracted export of Serbian defence industry within the term of this government.
How much will cost us the professionalization of the military?
- In the military budget for 2010 there are funds earmarked for the salaries of the professional soldiers. Our professionalisation is unique because it is carried out within the budget of the Ministry of Defence, and this year it is lower than it has been envisaged by the memorandum of the Government.
Isn’t professional military more expensive than conscripts?
- Conscripts come on three months, they spend 24 hours in the facilities of the Armed Forces, and there are costs for accommodation, food ... In case of professional soldiers it is not like that, they pass the basic training once and they are more efficient.
What will happen to the recruits who postponed military service?
- They will not have obligation of military service. However, I have to say that we are to finish the process of professionalization in the moment when we have the highest response and even interventions for applications for military service in uniform.
Could you explain how the military is now more capable when the strength is lower, surplus of armaments destroyed, and we did not purchase the new ones?
- During my mandate the strength increased from 36,000 to 39,000 members. As for the technique, the fact is that it was in poor condition also ten years ago, and we have a number of assets that we overhauled and obtained the new ones. Currently, we are fulfilling all the three missions of the Armed Forces and we are looking for the opportunity to procure new aircraft, air defence systems and armoured combat vehicles.
To which new peacekeeping operations will Serbian peacekeepers go?
- We are talking about the participation in the missions in Uganda, Lebanon and one more country. We conveyed to EU partners in these missions our commitment to participate together with them. Regarding the participation in Lebanon we have reached a high level of agreement with the Spaniards.
Do you consider the engagement in Iraq or Afghanistan?
- We are currently talking about the participation in the three missions that are under the UN mandate, but not in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are even talking about taking over the whole hospital in Chad, where the Norwegians would participate in our contingent.
THE FAVOURITE GIFT IS FROM THE “EAGLES”
In his office Minister Sutanovac is surrounded by souvenirs from all over the world. Among the dearest ones is the soccer ball signed by all members of the Serbian national team.
- I do not think that I'll go to South Africa, but I will watch the championship and I will surely root for the “Eagles” – said the Minister.
CROATS PLAYED “KOLO” DANCE
Will you go on the Faithless’ concert?
- Sure. I'll go with my wife and perhaps somebody else. It is such sort of music that even if you go alone, you can have a good time.
How was it in the concert of Miroslav Ilic in Zagreb?
- The atmosphere was great. I was thrilled when I saw the Croats playing kolo.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO ARE ŠARI?’S PALS AMONG THE POLITICIANS
Stanko Subotic said that he saw Darko Saric in the company of many politicians. Have you met Darko Saric?
- I haven’t met him.
Do you know who did Cane have in mind?
- I do not know, and I'd like to hear that.
