(Tbilisi, May 7, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Some members of the opposition factions in the Parliament went against increase of fee for postponing obligatory military service. Chairman of the United Democrats faction Giorgi Baramidze argued that increase of the fee would not solve the problem.
“Everybody should known that if he avoids obligatory military service by paying the fee, he will not be able to attain high ranking position in the future” – he said.
A statement has been also made in the Parliament, that many young people change religion to avoid the service in the army, in response to which chairperson Nino Burjanadze said: “it is great shame if your youth prefer to change religion rather than serve in the army”.
It was suggested to increase the fee from 200 to 600 Laris. MPs removed this issues, because the principle of distribution of these funds were not clarified.
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