The current situation on the field requires no further engagement of NATO when it comes to Montenegro’s battle against the coronavirus, as we’re keeping things under control right now. In case of emergency, of course we’re going to re-activate the request we have already sent to Brussels, defense minister, Mr Predrag Bošković, told in an interview for Pobjeda daily.
How many soldiers have been deployed to protect the people of Montenegro during the pandemic and what are their tasks?
BOŠKOVIĆ: Around 200 soldiers have been deployed to assist the battle against the spread of Covid-19. They provide security services for quarantines across the country, while the helicopters transport the vulnerable, equipment and other things.
…
In addition, there are teams for decontamination engaged on the whole territory of Montenegro, primarily for decontamination of healthcare and other institutions or locations, depending on the need. They work every day since the first coronavirus case was detected in Montenegro.
Do citizens recognize the significance of the Army under these circumstances?
BOŠKOVIĆ: The army is an institution whose capacities are usually most expressed in critical situations. The Armed Forces of Montenegro enjoy the trust of citizens, which is, we are sure, justified by our role in the fight against coronavirus. As always, we are here to serve our people and the state, and we’re sure that citizens recognize and appreciate it.
…
Are there members of the Army or your Ministry infected with the coronavirus?
BOŠKOVIĆ: No soldier of the Army or employee of the Ministry of Defense is infected with the coronavirus. Three Ministry’s employees have been quarantined and six self-isolated.
In addition, 87 soldiers of the Army have been put in self-isolation, and here I should mention another 26 soldiers of the 11th contingent of the Army of Montenegro in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, who were self-isolated on 10 April following their 14-day quarantine.
Having in mind the coronavirus crisis, are you going to decrease the number of soldiers deployed in NATO missions (Latvia and Afghanistan) and will there be changes when it comes to sending two Montenegrin troops in the Iraq mission?
BOŠKOVIĆ: The global coronavirus pandemic does not adversely affect the work of the contingents of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in the “Resolute Support” mission in Afghanistan and NATO’s “Enhanced Forward Presence” activity in Latvia.
All our activities will be implemented in line with the guidelines and recommendations of the National Coordination Body for Communicable Diseases, and those prepared by the NATO commands.
Do you expect additional assistance of NATO in the battle against Covid-19?
BOŠKOVIĆ: NATO plays an important role in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, primarily as a platform for the exchange of information and best practices among Allies. Moreover, NATO mechanisms enable transport of the most important medical equipment and coordination of military assistance among Allies.
…
The current situation on the field requires no further engagement of NATO when it comes to Montenegro’s battle against the coronavirus, as we’re keeping things under control right now. In case of emergency, of course we’re going to re-activate the request we have already sent to Brussels.
Allies assist one another in transporting medical equipment from around the world, by hiring medics where they are most needed. NATO is working closely with partners and other international organizations, primarily the EU, UN and WHO.
…