President Vucic: SAJ special unit must expand and get younger members, but also safeguard its experience

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, said today that the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) must get more and younger officers, but also preserve the experience of those already in its ranks - as well as that the SAJ must be elevated to the highest level in terms of technology.

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Speaking at an event to mark SAJ Day, Vucic said that the unit also needs new equipment, although a lot has already been invested and that the state can help with that.

"I am asking you to keep up with modern technologies, drones, in line with what you as a police and special unit can have, to do everything possible to raise the SAJ unit to the highest technological level," said Vucic.

The president added that the unit's ranks should be expanded, and that he would also bring this up with the people from the Gendarmerie, from the police (intervention) brigade, from the fire brigade, and everyone who participates in any way in preserving the security and defense of the country.

Vucic told the gathered members of SAJ that they are the best that Serbia has and asked them to understand the situation the country is in.

"It won't be easy for us, and I'm not looking forward to it when I say that I'm afraid in a very short time it will get even more difficult for others who find it easier now, and that's why it's important that there is always enough deterrent force to handle each of the potential aggressors from outside, and inside the country to combat terrorism, organized crime, to strengthen the safety and security of our citizens. In that you have no equal, and I thank you," said Vucic.

He expressed gratitude to the members of the SAJ for protecting Serbia and added that he believes they will perform this task as a labor of love, as always.

At the same time, he stressed that the state is older and bigger than any daily politics.

"That's why Spasoje Vulevic, who was the commander until recently, has a place here with us today, regardless of what he says or thinks about me or anyone else. The state is older and bigger than any daily politics," said Vucic.

He noted that the people who have been at the helm of the units, as well as the people who led the country, have all left their mark.

"I'll never forget when I called Vulevic and some other members of the SAJ upset like a fool, from a warm room, asking them to explain to me why we still hadn''t caught Alija Balijagic, who is a vicious and hardened murderer and who was walking free in the southwest of Serbia. And then I hang up the phone and ask myself if it's possible that while I'm sitting in a room where it's 22, 23 degrees, and they (officers) are out there in sub-zero weather, moving through snow and slush, struggling - that I should try to teach them how to do their work, and pester them about when they will finish the job," said Vucic.

The president added that he is grateful that they are there for the most difficult tasks and that they protect the country, as well as that he believes they will continue to perform this task in a manner as professional as before.

He also wished a happy slava day to all those whose  family patron saint in St. Nicholas (December 19 in the Orthodox calendar), and extended best wishes for all the other upcoming holidays as well.

"I wish the SAJ success and that on the 50th anniversary, in 2028, you will show that you are the best unit," said Vucic.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)