ZAGREB, Oct 6 (Hina) - Speaking about his dispute with the military chief-of-staff, Gen. Petar Stipetic, Defence Minister Jozo Rados said on Saturday that a soldier in a democracy cannot make political statements without the knowledge
of the minister of defence. This is a question of "democratic principle," Rados told reporters at the anniversary of the 144th Brigade in Zagreb. "That mustn't happen," Rados said, adding that at the Defence Ministry it must be clear who governs, the one who has been elected and answers to parliament, and who listens. "If that isn't so, the Defence Ministry will face constant problems and conflicts," said the minister. "As a man who knows the system well and sees the danger, I must point to it and decide what the consequences, which may be varied, will be," he asserted. Asked if he had discussed the issue with the prime minister and the head of state, Rados said
ZAGREB, Oct 6 (Hina) - Speaking about his dispute with the military
chief-of-staff, Gen. Petar Stipetic, Defence Minister Jozo Rados
said on Saturday that a soldier in a democracy cannot make political
statements without the knowledge of the minister of defence.
This is a question of "democratic principle," Rados told reporters
at the anniversary of the 144th Brigade in Zagreb.
"That mustn't happen," Rados said, adding that at the Defence
Ministry it must be clear who governs, the one who has been elected
and answers to parliament, and who listens.
"If that isn't so, the Defence Ministry will face constant problems
and conflicts," said the minister.
"As a man who knows the system well and sees the danger, I must point
to it and decide what the consequences, which may be varied, will
be," he asserted.
Asked if he had discussed the issue with the prime minister and the
head of state, Rados said he had told PM Ivica Racan the matter was
not good and and that it was unacceptable.
In a recent interview with Novi List daily, Rados described as "deep
politicisation and a departure from basic democratic principles" a
statement Stipetic made to the effect that "the defence minister
wishes to introduce dictatorship", and another one in which
Stipetic "commended disobedience to the (military) supreme
commander."
According to Rados, many think he should not have spoken publicly
about the matter, but maintains: "It wouldn't be a democratic
situation if the military chief-of-staff could say something
publicly and the (defence) minister kept silent about it."
(hina) ha