Vucic: Kosovo and Metohija is part of Serbia, under the Constitution and by God's justice

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said today, at a ceremony marking the commissioning of the youngest officers of the Serbian Armed Forces, that Kosovo is part of Serbia under both the Constitution and God's justice, and that this must be remembered and that holy trust preserved.

"What you pledged to uphold today is respect for the Constitution and the preservation of Serbia's territorial integrity. I know the kind of pressure you, as well as the political leadership, will face. We have nothing holier or more important than this. Kosovo and Metohija is part of our homeland, part of Serbia, both under the Constitution and by God's justice. We must remember that and preserve that holy trust. Without provoking anyone, attacking anyone, or threatening anyone, but always remaining our own on our own land," Vucic emphasized at the "General Jovan Miskovic" barracks in Banjica.

He pointed out that military alliances had been formed in the region against Serbia.

"We understood those messages and began acquiring the best and most advanced equipment for ourselves," Vucic said.

He reminded that this was the tenth time, as President of the Republic, that he had welcomed new officers of the Serbian Armed Forces and said he was proud of them and of their years of dedication to the military.

"It is a great honor for me that we have produced a generation that will defend the country with its courage, determination and, above all, its knowledge. We succeeded in improving conditions at the Military Academy as well. But it is never enough, and there is always more to be done. Over the years, we have tried, and succeeded, in improving the living conditions of our soldiers," Vucic said.

He recalled that 12 years ago the average salary was less than €300, whereas today it exceeds €1,100.

"Something has nevertheless been achieved. In the meantime, we have armed and equipped ourselves and become an incomparably stronger military. Not because we want to threaten or endanger anyone, but because we have learned bitter lessons. Whenever we were weak, others came to subjugate us and take part of our territory. In today's era of turmoil and international lawlessness, when neither the UN Charter nor UN resolutions exist in practice or are being applied, you are the guarantors of the security and safety of Serbia's citizens. You are the ones who will defend every inch of this country," Vucic stressed.

He emphasized that Serbia would remain militarily neutral and would take care of itself and its future because, as he added, whenever it relied on someone else, it proved to be a mistake.
"Alliances are necessary, but we must always be strong enough to preserve and defend our country ourselves," Vucic said.

He noted that he was especially pleased with the modern knowledge acquired by the new officers, telling them that they are Serbia's greatest resource.

"You are the resource that Serbia must rely on to preserve and protect itself. The state has invested a great deal in your education, and that knowledge will make the difference in the future," Vucic said.

He thanked the parents and families of the youngest officers of the Serbian Armed Forces for the support they had given them because, without it, neither the officers, nor the military, nor the state could be successful or confident in their future.

"Thank you for believing in your children, in the state, and in the only military we have, which is the sole guarantor of security and safety," the Serbian president added.

He wished the members of the armed forces better days ahead but also warned that the period to come would not be easy and would require responsibility, seriousness and dedication.

"Much more difficult days lie ahead of you. That is what you have been educated and trained for, and that is why we trust you and place enormous hope in you. Thank you for your efforts. No one can take away your knowledge, your determination or your courage. Not everyone chooses the military profession, only the most honorable and the bravest do. Thank you for everything you have done so far, and especially for everything you will do for your Serbia. This is a great day both for you and for us. Long live the Serbian Armed Forces, long live Serbia," Vucic said.

Earlier, the Serbian president presented ceremonial swords to the top graduates of the Military Academy and the Military Medical Academy's Faculty of Medicine.

The top graduates of the Military Academy were Second Lieutenant Predrag Djuricic, first in the services branch, Second Lieutenant Nemanja Ivanovic, first in the Ground Forces, and Second Lieutenant Lazar Djordjevic, first in the Air Force and Air Defense, while the top graduate of the Military Medical Academy's Faculty of Medicine was Second Lieutenant Jelena Micic.

A total of 130 cadets were commissioned into their first officer ranks today, including 102 from the 147th class of the Military Academy and 28 from the 12th class of the Military Medical Academy's Faculty of Medicine.

This year, the Military Academy is also graduating two cadets from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one cadet each from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Armed Forces of Angola. The Military Medical Academy's Faculty of Medicine is also graduating two cadets from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.