03.01.2011.
Interview of Minister Sutanovac to "Blic"
WE MAKE NO TRADE OFFS WITH THE NATO
The Serbian Army is ready for all political decisions, which also includes entry into NATO.
I do not expect unrest in Kosovo with the beginning of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which I think will have to start as soon as possible. If investigation into the reports by Dick Marty start, a sort of resistance and uprising by those who would have been prosecuted. I believe that the international community and all institutions in Kosovo and Metohija concerned can provide stability - said Dragan Sutanovac, defense minister.Have you talked about it with representatives of NATO and KFOR?
-Not specifically. But, generally, the issue of security in Kosovo is no communication.
When does the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue start?
- Serbia is ready for talks and has long warned the international community that Pristina was trying to avoid them. It is essential that negotiations begin as soon as possible to find solutions for the basic needs of the people who live in Kosovo, in order to be able to tackle more general and major problems further on.
Dick Marty’s report represents a kind of pressure on Pristina and Thaci to move to a quicker dialogue?
- I do not think it has anything to do with dialogue. Mr. Marti submitted a report which he was authorized to make, and it still remains to be seen how those who have the power to make further decisions will consider the report and act upon it. The fact is that finally the time has come to prosecute those who burned our monasteries world's cultural heritage, who committed war crimes and atrocities... The dialogue will have to raise the question of prosecution and lack thereof of the people who committed crimes and whose faces can be seen on the footage and photos that prove the crimes.
Does the Washington’s secret warrant for the "cleansing" of the Balkans even exist?
- I have no knowledge of any secret orders from the Washington.
Will Thaci finally leave?
- The world public has finally faced the fact that Kosovo and Metohija have not undergone the democratization as certain media had reported, and as for Thaci, who nineties was a very important role in the so-called KLA, which clearly committed war crimes, he is on the list of those responsible for numerous atrocities. The charges brought up against him are extremely serious and I believe this will have to be looked into the very end. The investigation should finally demonstrate whether Tachi really is a snake as his own people call him or not.
You have performed the most sensitive part of the problem in terms of military reform - the abolition of military service obligation after 127 years long tradition?
- That was an extremely hard work. Objectively, those engaged in the defense system and those who have watched how this has been done in other countries, can see that we did this in record time. There is a growing interest from Germany, Austria and Russia for the model for the process of professionalization. This is the greatest social reform performed in the last years, which has affected not only the defense system and the SAF but is a win-win reform which has given the opportunity to all the young people to choose, if they want - they can do national service.
What are the primary tasks?
Our main priorities are the continuation of professionalism, training, modernization, and acquisition of new weaponry and military equipment, to purchase new uniforms after 17 years, further investments in infrastructure, converting 'Morava air field near Kraljevo into a civilian air field. then to equip the military base ''JUG '' for carrying out preparations for the peacekeeping mission, conducting a number of military exercises at home and abroad, starting from the Army ...
Will Serbia join the NATO in 2011?
This year Serbia will develop relations with NATO under the Partnership for Peace''''.
Are the Serbian Armed Forces ready this year to join the NATO if the political decision is made?
The Serbian Armed Forces are ready to adhere to all political decisions. The Serbian military was placed entirely under civilian and democratic control and is acting upon the orders of civilian authorities. Our Serbian Armed Forces are a respectable power, following the best world standards.
Would Serbia regain the north art of Kosovo in exchange to enter the NATO?
Had Yugoslavia and then Serbia and Montenegro been a part of NATO, our history would be different. Furthermore, the fact remains that Serbia does not make any deals with NATO about anything.
When will the Military Security (VBA) and Military Intelligence Agencies (VOA) get the Inspector General?
I hope that this will happen very fast. This body will be an essential controller of VBA and VOA.
Who is hindering the reconstruction of the Government?
Nobody is obstructing anything. President Tadic was very precise when he said he would talk about it after the New Year. I'm sure this will be the case.
If Dacic becomes the Prime Minister, are you will you become the new Minister of the Interior?
I'm not thinking about changing jobs. I took over the duties of the Minister of Defence with the idea to bring them to a close, and there is still much to do.
Is there any possibility of the coalition with the SNS in the future government?
I do not see any links between the SNS and DS, on the contrary, I think we have two antipodes, and that our policies do not share any common goals whatsoever.
The public opinion polls have shown that the ratings of the SNS have surpassed the DS?
SNS is very comfortable and apt at using the crisis to criticize all institutions in the country, especially of the Government and President. I believe that the citizens will not make their mind based on who criticizes the most but rather will choose the best option with the best plan.
THE REFORMER OF THE YEAR
- If every time you measure how people evaluate your moves, you start to wander between what you should do and what the people wanted to hear. And, the people have entrusted you to lead them the best you can. There are those who pay too much attention to daily political public poll surveys. This is not good if you want to carry out reforms. I am well aware which patriotic messages can reach the people and are acceptable therefore I could use them, but I know what's real and how to lead our country to faster development. I only promise what I believe we can achieve, and what can contribute to a better life for our citizens, regardless of how popular you may be at the moment.
Author: Tanja Nikoli? ?akovi?
