Manipulating with the Role of PM’s
Advisor Toncev
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| photo: telegraf.rs |
In the mid 2013 a group of journalists from OCCRP/CINS wrote
about alleged connections between Prime Minister’s special advisor Toncev and
some mobsters from Balkans. The final outcome of these claims can be defined as
placing of many untested and unproved claims. It is more than obvious having in
mind that official state research has shown that Mr. Toncev didn’t have any
unauthorized relations with any of criminal groups.
Center for Investigative Reporting in Serbia quotes
unofficial and unseen report of Serbian intelligence agency (BIA). CINS claims
that in the previously mentioned report there are several names of Balkans
criminals who can be connected with the advisor. Anyway there are not any
strong proves for these claims. Mr. Toncev declined any negative context of his
contacts with these persons. Actually he stressed that his meetings with these
persons didn’t have any mysterious nature and that state authorities were aware
of that. ‘I was acting for the good of country and state officials are aware of
that. Therefore my conscience is clear’, said Toncev.
There are also quoted some allegedly suspicious connections
with Montenegrin businessmen Branislav Saranovic who was killed in Belgrade in 2009. Toncev
says that it is a fact that he has sold his construction company to Mr.
Saranovic but that it is everything what he can say about that topic. Toncev
asks why is he so interesting to journalists and some centers of power? In his opinion it is the case because he is
not involved in any of suspicious privatizations in Serbia but also because he doesn’t
belong to any of these lobby groups. He also asked why os he so interesting to
the investigative media which already conducted three researches about him? At
the same time, there are at least 10,000 state officials who might be
interesting topics for these journalists, said Toncev.
Regarding his meetings with Rodoljub Radulovic or any other
person, Toncev doesn’t negate that he has met many persons and that he has
spoke with many potential investors who can support economic development of Serbia. For
example he spoke with Mr. Bartolazzi and there are not any secrets, said
Tincev. ‘I will meet anyone who wants to invest in Serbia’, told Mr. Toncev according
to the CINS.
CINS quotes that some foreign diplomats accredited in Belgrade warned Prime
Minister Dacic about Mr’ Toncev’s incapacity for highest state duties. In
Toncev’s opinion it can not be the case because he had friendly and
professional contacts with many diplomats accredited in Serbia
including those from the EU member states. ‘Do you believe that it is
appropriate and in accordance with diplomatic practice to accuse PM’s advisor
in private chat with the Prime Minister? It sounds pretty funny’, said Toncev.
Toncev added that he never was accused for any of criminal activities in front
of the state authorities. He stressed that there must be made distinction
between regular state procedures which includes investigative authorities and
judiciary and some ordered investigations carried out by some investigative
press. Toncev emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Agency conducted four months
long investigation regarding the property of special advisor. The final outcome
was the official report which states that there are not any irregularities
regarding Toncev’s property and its acquisition. Toncev believes that the
Agency did its job very professionally but he also believes that the
investigation was initiated by media campaign which was organized against him.
Ivica Toncev emphasizes the importance of modernizing of Serbia what
includes better conditions for foreign and domestic investments. He also
expresses huge admiration for the energy delivered by leaders of Serbian
Government, Mr. Vucic and Mr. Dacic. Regarding himself, Mr. Toncev believes
that previously mentioned officials know if his role is useful for the
wellbeing of Serbia.
He strongly believes that commitment and honest work are the strongest
arguments in his professional defense. It is not an easy way to defend personal
and professional integrity in our political life but it is the only right way’,
said Mr. Toncev.
Former national security advisor
of Serbian PM, Mr. Ivica Toncev believes that Serbia is on the right path
toward stronger and more competitive economy. Numerous reforms are already
conducted and Serbia will be more stable in economic terms in coming years,
said Toncev.
