SAF CHOD interview to Novosti
Tuesday, 29.11.2011 | Interviews
My leaving the position of the chief of general staff will not undermine the functioning of our defense system. Our army’s capabilities are not going to collapse - says in an interview to Novosti daily the Chief of General Staff Miloje Miletic, who after nearly three years is going to be retired. - Since early 2011, I knew that I was about to be retired, as this is normal and regular change in generations and I expect that young people will bring new energy and ideas.
The now outgoing Serbian Army Chief of General Staff spoke to
"Novosti" on personnel changes, the crisis in Kosovo, reforms. We have
strong links with the East and West.
My leaving the position of the chief of general staff will not undermine the functioning of our defense system. Our army’s capabilities are not going to collapse - says in an interview to Novosti daily the Chief of General Staff Miloje Miletic, who after nearly three years is going to be retired.
He said his decree on the retirement of President Boris Tadic made in mid-November, has not come as a surprise to him:
- Since early 2011, I knew that I was about to be retired, as this is normal and regular change in generations and I expect that young people will bring new energy and ideas.
In what state do you leave SAF? Is there any unfinished business that you will leave to your successor?
- A complex system such as the army will always be going through minor or major changes, and this is something any new Chief of General Staff should expect. In the past three years we have made a significant step in the process of professionalization, training, education, international cooperation, we have raised the reputation and standard of the army. This is a team success, of both the Ministry of Defence and General Staff. SAF is certainly now far better trained, better equipped, but is there is still much to be done in terms of modernization, equipment.
The personnel changes come at a delicate moment of security, after the outbreak of the crisis in the north of Kosovo ...
- This is not the first time in the near and far history that we are in a delicate security situation. The current security situation in Serbia and the region is relatively stable. There are still some risks, especially in Kosovo, and partly in southern Serbia and in the Raska region, but their nature is not such that it would be solved by military means.
How is SAF monitoring this situation in the province?
- We are constantly focused on all these events. We have our troops along the administrative line, and we are in constant contact with our people in Kosovo, KFOR and the international community authorities who are in task of maintaining security. There is nothing that could surprise us.
Many in Serbia fear that the new Oluja might break out. Do SAF have a plan of action, in case of this situation?
- The Army has plans for crisis prevention in all areas which it estimates could eventually be a source of some instability. Therefore, we have a similar plan for Kosovo. SAF will engage and act strictly in accordance with the decisions of state bodies, the Constitution and laws.
What is your personal security assessment, is there a possibility that a new wave of Serb emigrants from Kosovo will flood central Serbia?
- At the moment there are no indications that such things could happen. I sincerely hope that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and the conversations we have with local authorities in Kosovo, will lead to solution and that we will not be in a position to deal with this problem by use of force. Especially since no military solution can bring long-term stability.
How do you rate cooperation of SAF and KFOR, especially since recent developments and since this mission seems to be taking the side of Pristina too often?
- Cooperation between SAF and KFOR is a professional, based on military-technical agreement, which provides framework for resolving the Kosovo and Metohija problem, but provides good conditions for political dialogue. In all discussions constantly the impartiality of KFOR is always insisted on. Their representatives always assure us that all actions are taken strictly in accordance with the Resolution 1244
Do you uphold the possibility of increasing the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo?
- In the last two years this number has decreased and dropped to only about 5,000 troops of KFOR. After the crisis in the north, a German-Austrian battalion from operating reserves has been deployed and is currently engaged in Kosovo with some 6,000 members of KFOR. Any further reduction of the forces would cause detrimental damage to the security in Kosovo. We have received assurances that the number of troops will depend on the developments of situation.
Is there a danger that the crisis can spill over from Kosovo into the south of Serbia?
- The problem of Kosovo did not form yesterday, it is the result of inherited religious, cultural, ethnic, social differences of the past and will certainly take time to overcome them. Experience teaches us that any aggravation of the situation in Kosovo was reflected not only in the south of Serbia, but the entire region. We can not exclude the possibility of a crisis spillover. I think that all relevant political and security factors in the region aware of the dangers of escalation. It is therefore important to continue the dialogue.
Can we prevent any greater tensions by integrating more members of national minorities into the defense system?
- Absolutely. Unfortunately, in southern Serbia, there are no Albanians in our units of the army, not because the SAF has closed its doors to them but rather because they see themselves in other matters. On the other hand, there is a positive example of inclusion of ethnic minorities into the SAF in the Raska region, where we see an increasing number of Bosnian soldiers.
Recent events in Kosovo have reopened some old wounds and debates for and against our country's entry into NATO. Do you think it is time to join the NATO?
- Serbia needs allies on all sides. We must not allow ourselves to remain isolated and lonely. Cooperation with other countries can be developed within the Partnership for Peace, which is something we are ding now.
Is there pressure to become a NATO member?
- That is not a condition. There are some European countries that are not members of NATO, and part of the EU.
After your three-year term, are the ties tighter with the West or the East or
- For us it is equally important to have good cooperation with Russia and the United States and the EU. Moreover, in some segments the cooperation with Moscow is even more important, especially in military and economic areas, maintenance and repair of military equipment. We have good cooperation with both of the others and it will continue to both promote and develop.
Will the new wave of crisis threaten the projects started in the reform of the defense system
- Certainly, this is a possible threat. As for the standards of SAF, they will share the fate of all other citizens. The Army will not be privileged. The wave of the crisis is reflected in the process of modernization of the army, but so far no plans have reduced the number of SAF, which is currently around 28,000.
With the elections approaching, is there any danger that the military will be misused in the upcoming campaign?
-No, as, I am pleased with the level SAF has depoliticized and freed of the influence of political parties. At the moment there is no danger that the army, in any way, be misused for political purposes.
SERBIAN SOLDIERS IN SIX MISSIONS
How many soldiers participate in international missions?
- Currently 67 soldiers are participating in five missions the UN and in one EU mission. Our platoon was in Cyprus, and one will in early 2012 go to Lebanon. Next year we will significantly increase our participation in peacekeeping missions.
WE DO NOT LAG BEHIND THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Members of the VS after nearly two decades are to get new uniforms. In what condition are the other resources of SAF, especially weapons?
- The reform process has been the slowest in the modernization of the army. But we are not far behind our neighboring countries. Equipping the aviation is a big problem, but I hope it will soon be resolved.
My leaving the position of the chief of general staff will not undermine the functioning of our defense system. Our army’s capabilities are not going to collapse - says in an interview to Novosti daily the Chief of General Staff Miloje Miletic, who after nearly three years is going to be retired.
He said his decree on the retirement of President Boris Tadic made in mid-November, has not come as a surprise to him:
- Since early 2011, I knew that I was about to be retired, as this is normal and regular change in generations and I expect that young people will bring new energy and ideas.
In what state do you leave SAF? Is there any unfinished business that you will leave to your successor?
- A complex system such as the army will always be going through minor or major changes, and this is something any new Chief of General Staff should expect. In the past three years we have made a significant step in the process of professionalization, training, education, international cooperation, we have raised the reputation and standard of the army. This is a team success, of both the Ministry of Defence and General Staff. SAF is certainly now far better trained, better equipped, but is there is still much to be done in terms of modernization, equipment.
The personnel changes come at a delicate moment of security, after the outbreak of the crisis in the north of Kosovo ...
- This is not the first time in the near and far history that we are in a delicate security situation. The current security situation in Serbia and the region is relatively stable. There are still some risks, especially in Kosovo, and partly in southern Serbia and in the Raska region, but their nature is not such that it would be solved by military means.
How is SAF monitoring this situation in the province?
- We are constantly focused on all these events. We have our troops along the administrative line, and we are in constant contact with our people in Kosovo, KFOR and the international community authorities who are in task of maintaining security. There is nothing that could surprise us.
Many in Serbia fear that the new Oluja might break out. Do SAF have a plan of action, in case of this situation?
- The Army has plans for crisis prevention in all areas which it estimates could eventually be a source of some instability. Therefore, we have a similar plan for Kosovo. SAF will engage and act strictly in accordance with the decisions of state bodies, the Constitution and laws.
What is your personal security assessment, is there a possibility that a new wave of Serb emigrants from Kosovo will flood central Serbia?
- At the moment there are no indications that such things could happen. I sincerely hope that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and the conversations we have with local authorities in Kosovo, will lead to solution and that we will not be in a position to deal with this problem by use of force. Especially since no military solution can bring long-term stability.
How do you rate cooperation of SAF and KFOR, especially since recent developments and since this mission seems to be taking the side of Pristina too often?
- Cooperation between SAF and KFOR is a professional, based on military-technical agreement, which provides framework for resolving the Kosovo and Metohija problem, but provides good conditions for political dialogue. In all discussions constantly the impartiality of KFOR is always insisted on. Their representatives always assure us that all actions are taken strictly in accordance with the Resolution 1244
Do you uphold the possibility of increasing the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo?
- In the last two years this number has decreased and dropped to only about 5,000 troops of KFOR. After the crisis in the north, a German-Austrian battalion from operating reserves has been deployed and is currently engaged in Kosovo with some 6,000 members of KFOR. Any further reduction of the forces would cause detrimental damage to the security in Kosovo. We have received assurances that the number of troops will depend on the developments of situation.
Is there a danger that the crisis can spill over from Kosovo into the south of Serbia?
- The problem of Kosovo did not form yesterday, it is the result of inherited religious, cultural, ethnic, social differences of the past and will certainly take time to overcome them. Experience teaches us that any aggravation of the situation in Kosovo was reflected not only in the south of Serbia, but the entire region. We can not exclude the possibility of a crisis spillover. I think that all relevant political and security factors in the region aware of the dangers of escalation. It is therefore important to continue the dialogue.
Can we prevent any greater tensions by integrating more members of national minorities into the defense system?
- Absolutely. Unfortunately, in southern Serbia, there are no Albanians in our units of the army, not because the SAF has closed its doors to them but rather because they see themselves in other matters. On the other hand, there is a positive example of inclusion of ethnic minorities into the SAF in the Raska region, where we see an increasing number of Bosnian soldiers.
Recent events in Kosovo have reopened some old wounds and debates for and against our country's entry into NATO. Do you think it is time to join the NATO?
- Serbia needs allies on all sides. We must not allow ourselves to remain isolated and lonely. Cooperation with other countries can be developed within the Partnership for Peace, which is something we are ding now.
Is there pressure to become a NATO member?
- That is not a condition. There are some European countries that are not members of NATO, and part of the EU.
After your three-year term, are the ties tighter with the West or the East or
- For us it is equally important to have good cooperation with Russia and the United States and the EU. Moreover, in some segments the cooperation with Moscow is even more important, especially in military and economic areas, maintenance and repair of military equipment. We have good cooperation with both of the others and it will continue to both promote and develop.
Will the new wave of crisis threaten the projects started in the reform of the defense system
- Certainly, this is a possible threat. As for the standards of SAF, they will share the fate of all other citizens. The Army will not be privileged. The wave of the crisis is reflected in the process of modernization of the army, but so far no plans have reduced the number of SAF, which is currently around 28,000.
With the elections approaching, is there any danger that the military will be misused in the upcoming campaign?
-No, as, I am pleased with the level SAF has depoliticized and freed of the influence of political parties. At the moment there is no danger that the army, in any way, be misused for political purposes.
SERBIAN SOLDIERS IN SIX MISSIONS
How many soldiers participate in international missions?
- Currently 67 soldiers are participating in five missions the UN and in one EU mission. Our platoon was in Cyprus, and one will in early 2012 go to Lebanon. Next year we will significantly increase our participation in peacekeeping missions.
WE DO NOT LAG BEHIND THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Members of the VS after nearly two decades are to get new uniforms. In what condition are the other resources of SAF, especially weapons?
- The reform process has been the slowest in the modernization of the army. But we are not far behind our neighboring countries. Equipping the aviation is a big problem, but I hope it will soon be resolved.
