Kirby: Security sector reflects on society

BELGRADE - US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby said Wednesday that institutions in the security sector must be transparent in their work and protect all citizens regardless of their race, religion or any other affiliation, because the functioning of the entire society depends on them.

The right balance must be struck between confidentiality and transparency, even in the security sector, said Kirby opening the conference on "Partnership for Integrity in Security Sector in Serbia" in Belgrade's Hotel Zira.

Serbian authorities have recognized the importance of the principle of transparency, Kirby said, adding that the US continues to support the development of a strong and responsible security sector in Serbia.

He pointed out that Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that transparency will also be included in the anti-corruption strategy.

The key role will be played by the parliament, as well as strong civil society organizations, which can give major contribution to this cause, he said.

The fight against corruption in security sector institutions is constant even in the United States, and no system is perfect, said Kirby, recalling the incident in which a white police officer shot a black teenager in the US State of Missouri.

Security services are of crucial importance and they should create the conditions for the development of other democratic institutions, stressed Kirby.

Security structures are the basic building blocks of a democratic society, the US Ambassador said, but warned that many countries have large and expensive organizations, such as the army, police, or intelligence agencies, which they use as an instrument of repression instead of protection of human rights.