“14-year-old teenager is already a Russian citizen. Parents have started to take their sons out of the country. There is such a problem, and this should be explored and understood”, this concern was raised by Republican MP Felix Tsolakyan at the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and National Security sitting. The Committee discussed the bill on “Military service and status of the soldier”, which was represented by Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan. This project will limit the right to deferment, which was negatively perceived in the society, there were protests. The list of persons entitled to deferment will be approved by the government. There are criteria for sportsmen, for instance: the athletes who take 1-4 places in the Olympics, Europe, World and Youth competitions will be given the right to deferment, if they repeat their result or exceed it. Vigen Sargsyan even made a joke: “This will also help our athletes to jump and run better”. The requirements to serve at least 150 km away from home for Armenian citizens, and to serve within 150 km distance for citizens with special privileges will be removed.
According to the Minister, by adoption of the draft law it is expected to ensure the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia during peace and war, to increase citizens’ trust towards the compulsory military service, to encourage the expression of citizens’ will for compulsory and contractual military service, as well as contribute to the full realization of the “Nation-Army” ideology.
The bill defines the establishment and implementation of compulsory and contractual military service, preparation for compulsory military service, reservists’ medical examination and medical expertise, compulsory military service exemptions and deferments, appointment and dismissal of servicemen, assignment of military ranks, discharge from military service and other relations, the accounting procedure in the reserve, activities implemented within the reserve and procedures to engage citizens in those, the legal and social guarantees of military servicemen, members of their families and persons equated to them.
By the way, only four of the 11 members of the Committee were present at the hall during the discussion of this issue.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
