General Dikovic's interview to Vecernje novosti

By signing the technical agreement on the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, the security situation in northern Kosovo has improved but still remains fragile. The number of incidents that threaten personal safety of people and property has been reduced. On the other hand, the implementation of the Brussels Agreement could cause reactions of disgruntled parties and extremist groups.

Thus in an interview to Vecernje novosti, the Chief of the Serbian Army, General Ljubisa Dikovic describes the current security situation in the country.

Is there a risk of tensions spilling over from Kosovo to southern Serbia?

– Our commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and cooperation with the international security presence in Kosovo diminish the possibility of spillover of tensions in the south-central Serbia, where the security situation is stable. Serbian army is carrying out all their tasks in the security zone professionally, where it is a stability factor. We perform our duties for the sake of the safety of all citizens, as befits the military with a long and rich tradition.

Does our military have contingency plans in case any new instabilities occur in the northern Kosovo?

– In the future we expect no significant change of the security situation. Although the resolution of Kosovo issue is a political issue, the SAF as any other army in the world, is planning how to adequately respond to a potential crisis. We have all the necessary plans and we are able to respond to security challenges.

America says it will not withdraw its contingent in KFOR in Kosovo. Do you have contacts with other nations whose troops are deployed there?

– The KFOR has members of 30 countries deployed, 22 of which are members of the NATO. It is no secret that the plans of the countries whose soldiers deployed in KFOR depend on international and national policy framework, the budget for international operations, and the political and security situation in Kosovo. The most important thing is to take future steps according to good estimates of the political and security situation, as it is in the interest of all, and most of all the citizens of the province.

"MiG AIRCRAFTS" ON RUNWAY BY AUTUMN Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic confirmed that Serbia was to buy six Russian aircraft "Mig 29 M2". When will all the details of this arrangement be agreed upon? – Buying aircrafts "Mig 29 M2" is a big step in that direction, and it is extremely important for our military aviation and the whole of Serbia. Together with Russian we plan to realize this procurement as soon as possible, in accordance with prescribed procedures. I believe that all the details will be agreed on before the visit of the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu this fall. The planes are not the only topic of our discussions, we also talk about buying air defence systems. This will solve airspace control for the next few decades.

How would you describe the cooperation of SAF and KFOR?

– The cooperation is carried out pursuant to the Military Technical Agreement. It is completely in order to strengthen security. With KFOR have a fair and professional relationship, which is characterized by a high degree of trust and understanding.

You have recently returned from Moscow where you agreed on joint projects. What specifically do?

– Military cooperation between Russia and Serbia was not at the level where we it wanted to be, but lately it has been improved. The signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries ha given new impetus to the cooperation with Russia. This Act may pave the way to enhanced cooperation in all fields. With Russian Chief of General Staff General Gerasimov I spoke about the joint training of our members, the presence of the exercises, strengthening military economic and military education and cooperation in the Air Force. We have agreed on all the important issues.

How do you respond to comments that strengthening military cooperation with Moscow is one more proof that Serbia is making a turn in its defence and foreign policy? Does NATO have a problem with that?

– Cooperation with the Russian Armed Forces is not an obstacle to cooperation with the armed forces of NATO member states. We are active in the Partnership for Peace and intensively cooperate with NATO members and partner countries. Cooperation with one country does not preclude the other. Serbia has established bilateral military cooperation with 60 countries, among which the cooperation with China, U.S., Russia, Norway, EU countries and the countries in the region are the most important forms of cooperation.

What are the effects of SAF professionalization and have the investments paid off?

– Based on two years of experience we can say that the professionalization has had a positive impact on the operational and functional capabilities of SAF. The costs of training soldiers in military service were high, and their contribution to the operational capabilities was relatively small. Professionalization has given us better trained and prepared personnel, able to handle the weapons and equipment better. The invested assets have paid off, because we got operationally capable units. We will continue to evaluate and propose the best solutions. Conscript duty has not been completely excluded.

WE WILL PRESERVE THE STANDARD OF SOLDIERS Can the government do more to improve the standard of SAF? Will there be any increase in salaries, will you improve working conditions, housing issues? – SAF members are well aware of the economic situation of our country. We know it's hard to expect any significant increase in salaries and raising the standards of professional soldiers, NCOs, officers and civilians, but one of our priorities is to maintain the standard at the level where it is now.

The government is preparing a plan savings in the public sector. Will it apply to the employees in the defense system?

– The average salary of employees in the defense system is 44 154 RSD which is 5.4 per cent lower than the April average salary in the Republic. Soldiers must be prepared to give their lives while performing their duties in war, they cannot choose the place of service, they are often reassigned and relocated and certain rights are limited ...This is reason enough why the salaries in the defence system should not be frozen or reduced. This does not mean that the Army will not contribute to savings. From January to May, we spent 8 % less than in the same period last year. We reorganized the training but we saved most on energy, fuel, transportation ... The problem is not the fact that the rebalanced budget has deprived the defense system of some investment in equipment. The problem is that nothing has been done in the past two decades, although there were opportunities to do so.