Migrants bring no threat of terrorism - defense minister

Migrants bring no threat of terrorism - defense minister

Gasic added that it is "most important that each of the people entering Serbia in waves is registered."

"It is necessary to take fingerprints, that they receive papers and either leave the country or seek asylum within 48 hours," the minister said.

He explained that "the pre-reception center in Miratovce, near the border with Macedonia, was opened in order to see in time whether migrants are bringing something that could be used for terrorist actions."

According to the minister, in Miratovac "each migrant goes through a detailed check, and there is the second part of the aid - water, food. Also, if we find that someone is ill, we can isolate them."

Gasic said that "the most important thing is to examin in detail their baggage."

"From there, they go in a controlled fashion to the reception center in Presevo. It costs a lot, but there they have all the conditions, primarily women and children, there is a part with beds and bathrooms. And, there's also the Red Cross," said the minister, adding military doctors have been working in reception centers.

"Usually, there are injuries due to prolonged walking, and there's malnutrition in children. There was also a childbirth over the weekend," Gasic said.

He stressed that the path of refugees toward the north of the country is monitored and that there have been "no extraordinary cases" so far.

According to Gasic, "the army is a member of the Serbian government's team led by Labor Minister Aleksandar Vulin - and all organs are working well as a coordinated team."

"You saw during the past month that Serbia takes care of them (migrants) in a fair manner, as required by the Geneva Conventions, and precisely because of such attitude there have been no incidents like our neighbors have had," the minister stressed.

Gasic also spoke about the purchase of two military helicopters from Russia, saying that preliminary contracts were made last week while negotiations will continue on Monday. He said the price will depend on additional equipment, adding he "did not wish to speak about it yet."

He added that negotiations were also ongoing with Airbus about the planned modernization of the Galeb 4 planes.

Regarding the participation of the Serbian Army Guard unit at the military parade in Beijing next week, Gasic said it was a parade marking the 70th anniversary of victory over fascism, "and there is no reason for criticism from any side." He added that the Serbian Army has signed more than 60 bilateral and military agreements with 60 countries, and participated this year "in several such parades."

The minister also mentioned the army "receiving over 25 vehicles for emergencies."

According to Gasic, "this also shows the trust it the Serbian Army while the army is a significant holder of diplomatic activities of Serbia." China, the minister concluded, "is one of the more important pillars of the foreign policy of the Republic of Serbia."