Defence Minister: Compulsory military service might be abolished

Tinatin Khidasheli noted that military service might not be obligatory for Georgian citizens any more.
Agenda.ge, 10 Jul 2015 - 19:29, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgia's Minister of Defence Tinatin Khidasheli says compulsory military service in Georgia might be abolished from next year.

"Georgia has made different commitments to the international community, including the abolishment of compulsory military service by the end of 2016. Therefore, this issue might be discussed,” she told local media outlet Liberali.

Minister Khidasheli also noted her personal opinion was to make military service completely based on contracts.

"I have said this many times and I will repeat it again that I am ready to visit Parliament Committees or discussions in Parliament in any format to reach a political consensus on what kind of army we want to have,” she said.

Currently, military service in Georgia is compulsory for male citizens from 18 to 27 years who do not have deferment or exemption from service.