Concerns spark over bill allowing exemption from military service for money - Papikyan, MPs hold discussion

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and deputies of the “Civil Contract” faction held a closed discussion in parliament on a draft law authored by MP Hayk Sargsyan, which proposes allowing conscripts to reduce the term of mandatory military service in exchange for a fee.

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly’s Defense and Security Committee, Armen Khachatryan, stated that the draft will be discussed until all concerns are resolved. According to him, substantive discussions are ongoing, and all provisions and regulations of the draft are being reviewed.

“We will discuss and improve it as much as possible. It will only move forward toward adoption if all concerns are addressed and public consensus is reached,” Khachatryan said.

When asked whether the draft law could be withdrawn amid growing criticism, the MP responded that all options remain under discussion.

The government approved the draft law last week. It proposes allowing individuals to fulfill mandatory military service for a period shorter than the standard 24 months in exchange for payment. It also suggests raising the age limit for compulsory military service from 27 to 32 years.