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Ministry of Defence prepares important projects for system of defence, state and citizens
Belgrade,
6 September 2007
Serbian Ministry of Defence Dragan Sutanovac said today that in 2008 the Ministry will work on new projects that are important for the system of defence, the state and citizens.
Dragan Sutanovac
Speaking at a press conference held at the Serbian government on the occasion of the first 100 days of the government's work, Sutanovac said that the Ministry of Defence will apply for funds from the National Investment Plan (NIP) for continuation of military aviation overhaul and conversion of military airports in Batajnica and Ladjevci near Kraljevo.
He said that the ministry will also apply for funds to complete the Cepotina base near Bujanovac.
The Minister said that Mig-29 aircrafts are being repaired in Russia at the moment and that they should be completed next year.
Completion of the Cepotina base is a strategic goal both of the Ministry and the state, Sutanovac said and explained that this base, which is located five kilometers from Bujanovac, is intended for soldiers who are now placed in bases along the Ground Safety Zone.
He explained that that the Batajnica airport will be converted into an airport for civil flights. The same is planned for the Ladjevci airport.
He pointed to positive trend in the turnout of recruits, which stood at 98.2% in the last class, which shows a considerable increase of trust into the Ministry of Defence and the state.
Sutanovac also mentioned the problem of payment of military pensions from the budget of the Ministry of Defence, saying that the income status of military pensioners should be equaled with civil insurance users.
In the defence system, there are currently 12 generals who are receiving salaries, while there are 765 generals who are receiving pensions from our budget, the Minister said and explained that that is a burden for the military budget.
Sutanovac said that he will ask that the Ministry's budget for the next year be 2.4% of GDP, which, with a rational expenditure, would enable the realisation of plans.
He repeated that during the past 13 months organisational and mobilisation changes in the Serbian Army have been carried out in line with best practices of NATO, which is why the defence system was commended by relevant international institutions and military diplomats.
The Minister of Defence stated that no traces were found in connection with Hague fugitives after nearly 70 checks.
Sutanovac stressed that the Ministry of Defence will not allow tax payers’ money to be spent on helping Hague indictees.
The Minister also recalled that the Military Intelligence Agency is involved in the Action plan for cooperation with the Hague tribunal.
He said that the ministry will also apply for funds to complete the Cepotina base near Bujanovac.
The Minister said that Mig-29 aircrafts are being repaired in Russia at the moment and that they should be completed next year.
Completion of the Cepotina base is a strategic goal both of the Ministry and the state, Sutanovac said and explained that this base, which is located five kilometers from Bujanovac, is intended for soldiers who are now placed in bases along the Ground Safety Zone.
He explained that that the Batajnica airport will be converted into an airport for civil flights. The same is planned for the Ladjevci airport.
He pointed to positive trend in the turnout of recruits, which stood at 98.2% in the last class, which shows a considerable increase of trust into the Ministry of Defence and the state.
Sutanovac also mentioned the problem of payment of military pensions from the budget of the Ministry of Defence, saying that the income status of military pensioners should be equaled with civil insurance users.
In the defence system, there are currently 12 generals who are receiving salaries, while there are 765 generals who are receiving pensions from our budget, the Minister said and explained that that is a burden for the military budget.
Sutanovac said that he will ask that the Ministry's budget for the next year be 2.4% of GDP, which, with a rational expenditure, would enable the realisation of plans.
He repeated that during the past 13 months organisational and mobilisation changes in the Serbian Army have been carried out in line with best practices of NATO, which is why the defence system was commended by relevant international institutions and military diplomats.
The Minister of Defence stated that no traces were found in connection with Hague fugitives after nearly 70 checks.
Sutanovac stressed that the Ministry of Defence will not allow tax payers’ money to be spent on helping Hague indictees.
The Minister also recalled that the Military Intelligence Agency is involved in the Action plan for cooperation with the Hague tribunal.
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