Gen Dikovic's interview to Politika daily

KPS violates safety on the administrative line

Each year some 1.000 young people are admitted for serving voluntary military service, somewhere around ten percent of them are employed on this occasion and in the military

"I do not want to give importance to the falsehoods placed by the Humanitarian Law Fund, by commenting them in public again, as the court will have its say," said Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ljubisa Dikovic. Answering the question why he had not previously responded following the allegations by the director of the Fund, Natasa Kandic that "his war experience is not without smears", he explains that he had filed a complaint in person, as a citizen, and that it took some time to prepare the lawsuit.

General Dikovic was the commander of the 37th Motorised Brigade from Raska during the 1999 bombing which operated in Kosovo and Metohija, in Drenica. Today he is the highest representative of the SAF and in talks with representatives of KFOR and NATO forces in Kosovo, and he speaks with high ranking officials from abroad. Just before marking 23rd April - which will be celebrated for the first time as the Day of the Serbian Army, we are talking with General Dikovic.

What contributed to choosing this date for SAF day, historical or practical reasons – that it is celebrated in more favorable weather conditions, so more people can attend the ceremony?

There were several reasons for changing the date marking the Day of the Serbian Army. For a long time there was a desire to be Armed Forces Day and National Day celebrated separately. It is good to celebrate the day when our ancestors went to victory, in memory of the Second Serbian uprising that resulted in the liberation of Serbia under the Ottoman Empire and, later, its recognition. Of course, practical reasons are there as well. On the one hand, we wanted the soldiers to celebrate Independence Day like everyone else, and for the citizens to participate in the ceremony marking the Day of SAF with us. In addition to strengthening the unity of the people and the army, it is a rational approach which saves public funds, because we have so many large expenditures for compensation for work during the holidays.

How will the SAF Day be marked this year?

It will be marked with pride, with dignity and in accordance with tradition. As in previous years, we have prepared a series of events: an honorary artillery fire, tributes to the Serbian rebels, an official reception, exhibitions, concerts of military bands ... Central celebration organized will be organized in Leskovac. Citizens will be able to see the weapons and military equipment, the display of capabilities and of parade units. For observers skills of our pilots, special forces, guards and flawless order in solemn parade will surely draw the attention...

Recently, members of the Gendarmerie arrested two members of the Kosovo police, who crossed the administrative line at Merdare. Since SAF is present in the security zone, were certain members of forces seen on the pother side of the administrative line and who would, according to the Kumanovo agreement, dare to be there compared to SAF?

According to the Military Technical Agreement in Kumanovo, the Army of Serbia cooperates exclusively with the international security force, or KFOR. We have signed 15 documents that define the processes and procedures of both sides along the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija. I believe that only KFOR can guarantee security in Kosovo and Metohija not the Kosovo authorities. KPS appear along the administrative line between Kosovo and central Serbia and a security risk. Apparently the KPS, contrary agreements, wants to "step by step" itself as a factor in these areas. KFOR announce their presence, they always respond and inform us what they undertook.

Since compulsory military service has been abolished, the public opinion is that the number of the army was reduced to a minimum. Can you, in short, give the basic facts about the number of SAF?

That point of view is wrong. Of course, that the Army of Serbia may not be the same in number as the JNA, because Serbia is not as big and as populated as the SFRY, and a military organization to change and modernize in line with global trends. The dimensioning of the army is a serious business, strategy, and depends on many factors, including the real security challenges, risks and threats to both human and material resources that the state can allocate to its defense. SAF now has about 28.000 people. In Army there are 4 tank and 8 mechanized battalions with more than 200 tanks and over 320 armored combat vehicles, with 320 excavators. Also, we have more than 430 pieces of artillery, of which about 80 multi rocket launchers. We have two aviation brigades with 81 aircraft and 60 helicopters. So, this is by no way a small army.

For voluntary service usually potential candidates for the job in the Army apply. When he abolished conscription mentioned various incentives, but that is a little last long. Is it neglected to affirm voluntary military service?

While doing voluntary service, our soldiers have salaries of about 17.000 RSD, along with receiving certificates for completing that training and the opportunity to apply for a job in the army. SAF affirms military service generally inviting boys and girls in a dynamic military training and a special way of life. We, therefore, focus on those who love challenges and who want to train for national defense, which is one of the rights of citizens. Young people who return to civilian life should be encouraged state and society, giving them some benefits in the future life, because of their qualities demonstrated during service. Annually some 1.000 young come to serve military in voluntary service somewhere around ten percent of them are employed on this occasion and in the military. Anyone who is willing to defend Serbia, its citizens cherishes the best values of our society, that is part of this elite society. It is clear the Ministry of Defence and the SAF, but everyone should know that.

What is the new equipment and techniques of great importance for VS acquired over the past few years?

Despite the economic crisis, which significantly affected the VS equipping new weapons and equipment, we have made significant progress, especially when it comes to outfitting the modern communication system. The connection is "nervous system" of the army and therefore furnishing these funds is essential. We purchased and unmanned aerial vehicles "orbiter", the aircraft pilot training "swallow" the plane "Piper Seneca" for aerial survey. As for the Army, the priority is to equip units engaged in the security zone and units that are trained to participate in multinational operations. Also, we are very well equipped the Special Brigade. By "Model Fitting infantry soldiers M-21" are equipped with several thousands of rifles, caliber 5.56 mm M-21 and the majority of protective equipment for soldiers. M-21 rifle is now well demonstrated, it can be said to be a worthy successor otherwise excellent homemade rifle M-70, based on a "Kalashnikov". The new rifle is more accurate in the hands of the average soldier, caliber 5.56 mm allows it to carry more ammunition. We want to procure a domestic self-propelled artillery "Nora B-52" and armored personnel carriers "Lazar," but it depends on the available money.

Is it true that in recent months, many retired Air Force officer and that there was a problem filling vacancies?

Retired officers who are eligible to retire by then applicable law, mainly by their demands, because they assess that it is better for them. There was a natural change of generations. No problem with filling Air Force command and control personnel. We strive to provide the opportunity for young pilots to fly more, to missile launchers to be better trained in dealing with rocket systems and to reach the top in his profession.

Milan Galović

We remained the National Army

Are you sure that the abolition of compulsory military service is the right move given the long-term needs for the reserve force or, as they say, "bonding between the army and the people"?

I am quite sure. Changing forms of military organization in history. We live in a time of professional armies, such a solution has opted for the overwhelming majority of countries in Europe. Of course, when we decided on the professionalization of VS, we seriously thought about how the process will affect the relationship between the army and people. It is important to emphasize that military service is abolished, as there is now voluntary, and if circumstances change – we can re-introduce conscription. We managed to find the right model, which respects the tradition of military service - this time on a voluntary basis, that enhances the ability of the army to help citizens when their security is threatened. In addition, our professional soldiers and officers, are part of the nation. We were the people's army and people know it.

I have the impression that we are artificially prolonging the process of reconciliation

You recently said that the process of reconciliation in the region takes place too slowly, by comparing these processes with the period after World War II. Can you explain that historical parallels?

The Second World War was the largest-scale armed conflict ever fought. No one, of course, not forgotten, but, still, calm passions, and many wounds healed after ten to twenty years since the war. In the fifties people from our region have already gone to work in Germany. I have the impression that the process of reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia artificially prolonged because of that benefit individuals. I want to emphasize that the relations among the senior officers from the region are very good. Soldiers normally associated military spirit of solidarity, we are working in similar conditions in similar tasks, we have the same problems, like a professional wishes ... In addition, many of us were educated in the same class of the Military Academy and worked in the same units of the JNA. A military camaraderie is always something special.