English

Bošković: We want to introduce voluntary military service

Predrag Bošković

Ministry of Defense and Army of Montenegro are expecting the forthcoming Army Day, October 7, with great satisfaction. This year, the celebration of this important date will be held in Cetinje, said in the interview for CdM, Minister of Defense, Predrag Bošković.

Bošković spoke about the benefits that Montenegro gained one year after entering NATO and about the future plans of the Ministry of Defense and Army of Montenegro.

“Capacities of our Army are richer for three multi-purpose helicopters, type Bell 412, and six light-armored vehicles. The official handover will take place during the celeb ration ceremony in Cetinje, October 5. Modernization of our Army is one of our priorities right now and it’s ab great pleasure when we see the results of our great efforts which make every single member of our Army very proud”, pointed out Bošković.

CdM: Have there been any benefits for Montenegro since it joined NATO? Which are they? What did NATO membership bring?

Bošković: NATO membership has benefits not only for the Army but also for the entire state and its citizens. Since we are small country, we don’t have capacities for the complete system of national security. That’s why NATO membership became one of the key priorities for Montenegro. Now that we are NATO member, we take part in the creation of international security environment. Mission of the protection  of Montenegrin air space (Air – Policing) has officially started. It’s performed by Italy and Greece and it’s a mission of non-fighting character and it’s among the most important benefits of NATO membership. As far as benefits for citizens are concerned, I’ll remind you that Bulgarian airplanes and airplanes of other allies were used for extinguishing fires in July last year. The most current assistance for our army is the donation of Germany, worth 2,2 million EUR and includes six light-armored vehicles that arrived to Montenegro Tuesday. Also, thanks to NATO, a very positive business environment has been created in Montenegro and it brings important and reliable investors from all over the world. Investment inflow is 250% higher.

CdM: What did Montenegro do in order to “fit in” NATO standards? What are its responsibilities towards the Alliance?

Bošković: NATO membership requires the need for audit of key strategic documents in the area of security and defense. We are the proponents of the new National Security Strategy, the most important state strategic document. By the end of this year, the Ministry will deliver the Long-term Defense Development Plan to the Government, for adoption. It defines strategic objectives and defense development priorities. We will also start the work on the new Defense Strategy. Our responsibility is also to redefine national system of crisis management.

CdM: We hear often that Montenegro has problems with lack of human resources in many segments, as well as with lack of education, practice… What’s the situation like in your Ministry?

Bošković: Ministry of Defense and Army of Montenegro are constantly investing in education of staff. Members of the Army of Montenegro are educated on Military Academies in the USA, Italy, Croatia, Great Britain, Germany, Macedonia and Greece. Besides that, our officers attend prestigious colleges for the purposes of command-headquarters and general-headquarters training. Also, our Ministry offers a set of projects with the aim of getting the young people familiar with the military call. We’ve initiated the idea of voluntary military service and we’re working on that concept diligently.

CdM: To how many missions have the members of our Army been addressed to?

Bošković: Our soldiers are currently engaged in four international peace missions and operations. They are „Resolute Support“ in Afghanistan, EUTM in Mali and MINURSO in West Sahara. Contingent IX, counting 29 members of Montenegrin Army is in Afghanistan now. We also took part in ISAF mission in Afghanistan. Two members will be engaged in the NATO mission on Kosovo – KFOR, in the position of Staff Officers. In order to contribute to NATO actions in the east, one of our members will take part in NATO fighting group in Latvia. Army of Montenegro also takes part in NATO training.

CdM: The issue that really interests Montenegrin public is the ownership of boat “Jadran”. What is your attitude towards that?

Bošković: We’ve said everything we had. That definitely won’t affect our bilateral relations with Croatia.

CdM: Also, question of Prevlaka. Can Croatia block Montenegro’s EU accession until this issue is tackled?

Bošković: This question is not for the Minister of Defense.

CdM: One part of the opposition talks about the formation of NATO bases in Montenegro. You denied that several times. Has anything changed in that regard?

Bošković: Nothing changed. Stories about NATO bases are unfounded.

CdM: Is the army ready to respond to migrants inflow?

Bošković: The Army hasn’t taken control over the borders. It gives support to mixed teams, which are led by the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Send this to a friend