Serbian Defence Ministry Clears Flight of Warplanes on Presevo

In his letter to the president of Serbia, Chairman Arifi points out that military planes flew very low, “above the homes of the residents of our municipality”, creating panic and uncertainty in citizens.

Taking into account that these flights were not warned, and given the situation created in the region, I in the quality of the mayor of the municipality ask you in the shortest time possible to inform us what are the reasons these fighter planes carried out these flights above the airspace of our municipality, as these flights caused concerns of our citizens”, writes in the letter that the Presevo Mayor has directed to the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vuciq.

Instead of President Vuciq, Presevo's chairman has received answers from Serbia's Defence Ministry.

In the letter sent to Chairman Arifi, the Department of Public Relations initially emphasises that the Ministry of Defence and Ministry do not communicate via social networks, “regardless of when issues that should be imposed on the official road”.

“In the letter and questions you ask to the defence minister, we respond to confirmation that we have already given to the media that flying aircraft over the airspace of the Presevo municipality is part of Serbia's Army regular activities and preparation for the “exercise. Sadeestvo 2018”, which is currently held in the polygion "Pasulske Livadeque”, says in response.

According to the Serbian Defence Ministry, flying planes has long and orderlyly warned through public information tools.

The same way we always do when dealing with such activities, just to keep people from worrying. In this case, KFOR also reacted that called on residents to remain calm, as there is no danger at all”, it said.

And all this wasn't enough for you, and it was with your statement that you raised tensions in opinion and in residents. With this attitude you expressed distrust, which certainly does not serve the peaceful and secure life of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia. Rather, it raises tensions that only harm the normal lives of each citizen but also residents of the Presevo municipality. Especially does it cause doubt in the regular, planned and warned activities of the Ministry of Defence and Army of Serbia”, said the defence ministry's response sent to Presevo Chairman Shiprim Arifi.