Defense Minister Tonoyan Urges Those Abroad to Return or Face Criminal Prosecution

On December 11, an extended session of the Republican Draft Commission was held at the RA Ministry of Defense administrative complex, during which the results of the 2019 summer draft were summarized, and issues regarding the proper organization and conducting of the winter draft were discussed.

Attending the meeting were the Ministers of Health, Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the RA, representatives from the relevant departments involved in the draft, regional governors, and the Mayor of Yerevan.

During the session, the results of the 2019 summer draft were presented, highlighting positive trends, shortcomings, and existing problematic issues. The discussion included the number of recruits, those recognized as unfit for service, thorough medical examinations and evaluations of eligible conscripts, as well as the work done by regional military commissariats, medical boards, and local self-governing bodies.

Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan emphasized the importance of maintaining an atmosphere of fairness and transparency during the upcoming draft, strictly excluding corrupt practices, and noted that the previous summer draft in 2019 was conducted in an organized manner without any obstacles.

The head of the defense agency also highlighted the necessity for cooperation between interested entities and subdivisions, aimed at strengthening the close ties between the military and society, as well as building public trust and support for the armed forces. Tonoyan reiterated the need to be extremely vigilant and to maintain strict oversight over the entire process of the winter draft, eliminating incomplete medical examinations and, consequently, the conscription of young people with health issues requiring treatment.

Furthermore, Davit Tonoyan urged conscripts currently abroad to return to their homeland by the end of the year and register for military service, as the legislative provision that exempts young men returning to Armenia for conscription from criminal liability will no longer be in effect after December 31 of this year.

The session of the Republican Draft Commission concluded with an award ceremony.