The salary is not enough if behind the uniform lies disloyalty to the system, said Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy.
Bečić's cabinet announced that he and Defense Minister Dragan Krapović attended today, at Independence Square in Podgorica, a presentation of the capacities of the Army of Montenegro (AVM), as part of the "Army in Your City" campaign, organized by the Ministry of Defense.
The statement says that Bečić "particularly emphasized that the economic and social position of members of the Army of Montenegro has been significantly improved, which is confirmed through concrete salary increases since the beginning of this year, for contract soldiers, non-commissioned officers, officers and civilians in service."
"But the salary is not enough if behind the uniform lies disloyalty to the system. That's why I want to be completely clear. The internal affairs and defense sector must be completely cleansed of all those who served clans, interest groups, corruption, organized crime, smuggling, and not the state. Of all those who protected the interests of the mafia, and not citizens. Of all those who wore a uniform and worked against the law," Bečić emphasized.
The statement added that Bečić "also pointed out that a safe and stable Montenegro cannot be built while there are people in it who worked for organized crime, not for the state."
"Anyone who tolerates, hides or relativizes this must know that they do not and will never have my support. There are no neutrals in this business anymore. You are either on the side of the law and the state, or you are on the side of crime. And those who choose to remain silent have chosen the wrong side," Bečić said.
Bečić's office said that "Krapović reminded us that the Armed Forces of Montenegro are one of the most important pillars of our state."
"It is not only a symbol of security, but also a guarantor of peace, stability and dignity of every citizen. Today, citizens had the opportunity to directly see some of the equipment at the disposal of the Army, but also to talk to our members about how the defense system is developing, modernizing and preparing for all challenges in the future. But it is important to say that the Army is not only technology and equipment, its core is the people who work in the defense system and perform everyday activities with dedication. That is why today we also presented employment opportunities in the Army of Montenegro. All those who are ready to invest their strength, knowledge and loyalty in serving the people and the state will find their place in our ranks. The Army is looking for the best among us, people of honor, discipline, knowledge and courage. Such people will get a well-deserved place in this system," said Krapović.
The statement also states that as part of the event, a helicopter flyover of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Montenegro was organized.
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