Decision to Extend Mandatory Military Service to 1.5 Years Not Approved Today: Papikyan

The decision to extend the mandatory military service period to 1.5 years was not approved today. This was announced by Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan during a broadcast on Public TV.

"This is part of our electoral program; we also had another important document, which is the concept of transforming the Armed Forces of Armenia, where all of this is also recorded, and of course, it should have taken place during our five-year cycle. Now we have approached the conclusion of that process, and naturally, we must fulfill our Government's program and promises. We do not intend to turn this into an electoral campaign, but rather to fulfill our obligations. At the same time, I must note that we are not planning to defend ourselves and say that our actions have no relation to our commitments before the public. Of course, we must do what we have promised, and if it is a positive and accepted step for the public, why should we turn away from it? It is necessary for the army to be understandable and desirable for society and not to turn into a penal institution. Strengthening the professional sector is also part of our program, meaning we should increase the number of contract professionals by reducing the duration of conscript service. The basis of the Armenian army should be professionals, contractual servicemen," said Papikyan.