World

Serbian President approves compulsory military service

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
 
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
BELGRADE: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday he had approved the reinstatement of compulsory military service. 'I hope you all understand how much we need a strong army, how much we need to purchase and manufacture more weapons,' he told a ceremony at the Military Academy.

Compulsory service would last 75 days, he told cadets being promoted at the ceremony. 'We don't want to attack anyone. Nor will we do so. But we want to deter those who relentlessly threaten us every day,' he added. Serbia abolished compulsory military service in 2011 and has since relied on a professional army. — AFP