Vucevic: We are not preparing for wars but we will be ready to defend Serbia

APATIN - Serbia is not preparing for wars, but it will be ready to defend itself, Defence Minister Milos Vucevic said in Apatin, northwestern Serbia, on Monday.

At a ceremonial awarding of commemorative medals to war veterans, disabled veterans and families of fallen soldiers, Vucevic thanked the recipients for their love of their people and country and apologised to them for having had to wait to get a word of gratitude and for the fact the country had been weak for a long time and ashamed of its most courageous people.

"Let me say that we are not preparing for any wars or conflicts. Serbia wants and needs peace, but we will be ready to defend Serbia. That needs to be clear to everyone. The days when Serbia was cutting up cannons, tanks and howitzers, and when we were shutting down army barracks and had generations that did not know the basic things, are gone," he said.