President Nikolic presented decorations on the occasion of the Statehood Day

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic awarded decorations today on the occasion of February 15, Statehood Day, during the ceremony held at the Presidency. The handover ceremony was attended by Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic, representatives of the Government of Serbia, public personas and families and friends of the decorated. 

Among the others decorated with highest Orders of Sretenje, based on a decree of the President of the Republic, Head of the General Staff of Serbia General Ljubisa Dikovic was awarded the Order of the White Eagle with Swords, First Class, for his outstanding contributions to the country's defense system and command and control of military units.

The Medal for Merits, Gold Grade, was awarded to the Military Police Battalion special unit “Cobras” for extraordinary merits and achieved results in conducting security tasks and protection of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia. On behalf of the unit, the medal was received by Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Usljebrka.

On this occasion, the deserving members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces were also presented with the Medal for Zealous Service, for their exceptional work and results in defense and security. They received 16 gold grade and 35 silver grade medals.

Congratulating the holiday to the citizens of Serbia and the winners of the decorations, President Nikolic stated that it is hard being valiant in the times when the value system has been severely distorted.

- For me, the Statehood Day is an opportunity to, while awarding the valiant and successful ones on behalf of the citizens of Serbia, encourage the change of awareness and parameters about the value system, to stress dedication and work as esteemed virtues, and to send the message to everyone that success will be appreciated and noticed – President Nikolic stressed, adding that it is also important to bring up the importance of various professions by not withholding praises and decorations for those that do their best every year.

Addressing the laureates, President of Serbia said it was his honor to have the opportunity, on behalf of the citizens of Serbia, to award decorations as a symbol of our sincere gratitude for the lives they dedicated to the success and progress of our country in various fields.

- You are the light bearers in the times of darkness and wandering, and your work is the message to all, especially to our children, that hard work and effort are valuable and that the people will proudly and joyously recognize it in future as well – President Nikolic stated.

Speaking on behalf of the decorated, Prof. Smilja Avramov, PhD, who was presented with the Order of Sretenje, First Class, thanked the Serbian people and citizens for the honor, stressing that she will carry the Order with pride. She particularly pointed out that the significance of the order is even greater, considering the importance of today’s holiday Sretenje, the day when, after 500 years of slavery, Serbia set off on the path of thorns and glory to the establishment of its statehood.

As the president of the Board for Decorations Oliver Antic, PhD said, Head of the General Staff of Serbia General Ljubisa Dikovic is the most responsible person for conducting missions and tasks of the Armed Forces of Serbia, where most noticed results are raising of the level of operative capability of commands, institutions and units of the Armed Forces, stable functioning and securing of the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija and control over the Ground security zone; high quality and planning of preparation for deployment in multinational operations, and un international military exercises. According to him, it should be particularly stressed that, with successful command and management in 2014, General Dikovic gave extraordinary contribution in rescuing people’s lives, material assets and property of the Republic of Serbia, during the rescue action in winter storms, supplying citizens of Uzice with drinking water and rescuing people and property during the floods in May.