THE Argentine president repudiated military sectors that continue to vindicate procedures of the last dictatorship, telling them he was "not afraid," and calling on the Army to remain "at a definitive remove from state terrorism."

President Néstor Kirchner gave a tough speech repudiating a military march held last week in tribute to so-called victims of subversion and which resulted in sanctions for six officers.

"Events have occurred that do not help to build the prestige (of the Army)," Kirchner stated, in obvious reference to the tribute to victims of subversion.

He followed that by being more explicit. "I am referring to the participation of members of these forces in a public act during which not only were journalists attacked, but conduct, actions and words occurred that I would not be hesitant to qualify as bordering on supporting the crime of vindicating state terrorism, which is what took place on May 24 in Plaza San Martín," he affirmed.

After this harsh warning, he reiterated the subordination of the Armed Forces to civilian authorities, stating: "the inclusion, equity and equality that Argentina needs requires Armed Forces committed to the foundations of the nation and subordinated to the popular power."

In concluding his remarks, the president made another tough statement.

Raising his voice and directly addressing officers who were watching from the field, he said, "I want to make it clear that as president, I am not afraid; I am not afraid of you."

The last remarks of his speech, which lasted less than 15 minutes, were addressed to the soldiers. "We want the army of San Martín, Belgrano and Mosconi and not that of those who murdered their own brothers and sisters, such as Videla, Galtieri, Bignone and Viola," the leaders of the last military dictatorship, which marked its 30th anniversary just over two months ago.

Once again reiterating his government’s policy on human rights, Kirchner added, "I am here to demand a national Army that is committed to the country and at a definitive remove from state terrorism."

After the speech, the president left the El Palomar Military School without participating in the traditional parade planned to celebrate the Army’s anniversary, which was held immediately afterward.

Kirchner used the occasion to announce changes in the country’s national defense system.

"We are preparing to begin a process of comprehensive review, restructuring and modernization of the national defense system. We must advance in a sustained manner in a process that will enable us to readjust and establish new foundations on which we may order the defense system and the Armed Forces themselves," he said.

He was thus explicit, although without providing further details, about restructuring the country’s defense system over the coming months, which implies less power for the top brass of the country’s three military forces.

Expected reforms include the transfer of functions such as decisions on promotions; authorization of training exercises; and purchases of materials by the commanders of the three branches under the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kirchner affirmed that the process of "restructuring" would allow civilian authorities "to effectively implement defense policy leadership."

Before the tough speech by Kirchner, who is also Commander-in-chief of the Army, General Roberto Bendini appeared to refer to the same episode, although not as directly. "I am not going to tolerate acts or actions that affect the discipline or unity of the institution," he said vehemently.