Q:
A:
Crisis will not halt strategic defence projects
Belgrade,
16 April 2009
Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac stated he does not expect increased military threats at this time of crisis, but added it is almost certain that there will be so-called ‘asymmetrical threats’.
Author:
www.novosti.rs
In an interview for today’s edition of the Vecernje Novosti daily Sutanovac said that every crisis brings an increase in threats as well a higher crime rate.
The Army functions in the best possible way but we will not be able to fulfil the projections concerning the procurement of new weaponry, equipment and combat vehicles, said the Minister, adding that the defence system requires huge investment in order to function properly.
Sutanovac recalled that the project for overall reform of the defence system was drafted on the basis of the government Memorandum, which says that 2.4% of GDP is to be set aside for the defence system, adding that every budget cut slows down the reforms.
We cannot stop projects we have been working on for years and which are necessary for the defence system, stressed Sutanovac, specifying that this includes the introduction of a professional army and the completion of the Cepotina military base in the south of Serbia.
We will continue building flats for army employees but to a lesser degree, confirmed the Minister, reiterating that the Ministry of Defence will reduce the amount of students abroad, travel and certain Serbian Army activities.
The defence system is such that we cannot just give up a quarter of our work. It is impossible to do without a quarter of the army members in the Ground Safety Zone, stressed Sutanovac.
He noted that the lack of funds will be most reflected in the equipment of the Serbian Army, considering that the mo0st up to date and modern technology requires great financial investment.
We will try to complete all our planned activities regarding the legislature, military educational reforms, re-organisation within the Ministry, military institutions and relevant agencies, concluded the Minister.
The Army functions in the best possible way but we will not be able to fulfil the projections concerning the procurement of new weaponry, equipment and combat vehicles, said the Minister, adding that the defence system requires huge investment in order to function properly.
Sutanovac recalled that the project for overall reform of the defence system was drafted on the basis of the government Memorandum, which says that 2.4% of GDP is to be set aside for the defence system, adding that every budget cut slows down the reforms.
We cannot stop projects we have been working on for years and which are necessary for the defence system, stressed Sutanovac, specifying that this includes the introduction of a professional army and the completion of the Cepotina military base in the south of Serbia.
We will continue building flats for army employees but to a lesser degree, confirmed the Minister, reiterating that the Ministry of Defence will reduce the amount of students abroad, travel and certain Serbian Army activities.
The defence system is such that we cannot just give up a quarter of our work. It is impossible to do without a quarter of the army members in the Ground Safety Zone, stressed Sutanovac.
He noted that the lack of funds will be most reflected in the equipment of the Serbian Army, considering that the mo0st up to date and modern technology requires great financial investment.
We will try to complete all our planned activities regarding the legislature, military educational reforms, re-organisation within the Ministry, military institutions and relevant agencies, concluded the Minister.
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