Gasic: Participating in peacekeeping missions among most responsible tasks for a soldier

BELGRADE - Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic saw off on Monday a Serbian Armed Forces contingent in UNIFIL - the UN multinational peacekeeping mission in Lebanon - at the Constantine the Great Airport in Nis.

Gasic said participating in peacekeeping operations was one of the most responsible tasks a professional soldier could face.

"In a way, it is a test of training, professionalism, mental and physical strength, as well as proof of your readiness to, by serving your country, put yourself in service of the general good under the blue flag of the UN," Glisic said.

Through their engagement in multinational operations, the Serbian Armed Forces have built a reputation for themselves as a dependable, responsible and professional partner, Gasic noted.

"That reputation has not been gained by accident - behind it, there is knowledge, discipline, commitment and honourable execution of all tasks by our personnel, which has earned, through its work, the respect of the international partner and represented Serbia in a dignified manner. Ahead of you is an opportunity to continue that path and solidify the high international reputation of our country further with your knowledge and responsible actions," Gasic said.

"That will not be easy, especially if we remember the recent tragedy in which Serbia lost a model NCO, Milovan Jovanovic," he said.

"His death is the most painful reminder of the dangers and the responsibility of a soldier's profession. Unfortunately, that tragedy is a consequence of the serious security situation in the UNIFIL mission's zone of responsibility, and you were aware of that fact when you applied for this task. That decision is a testimony to your professionalism and commitment to your service, for which, on this occasion, too, I express my deepest respect to you," Gasic said, advising the peacekeepers to always keep their security the number one priority.