ArmInfo.The idea of reducing the length of active military service from two to 1.6 years is not new, as stated by RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan during a parliamentary session on October 22.
He advised the opposition members who accused him of this to read the RA government's program for 2021-2026, which clearly outlines a provision for reducing the length of service by increasing the number of contract soldiers. Papikyan also pointed to the Army Reform Strategy, which also contains a similar requirement. Therefore, the Minister considered the opposition's accusations of the haste and pre-election bias of the proposed bill inappropriate. "I think that says it all, especially in the context of long-term planning," Papikyan emphasized.
He mentioned that two years ago, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia passed a law allowing military personnel who had served for six months to sign contracts to transition to contract service. Essentially, under the "Motherland Defender" program, numerous service members have joined the country's armed forces. This number already reaches several thousand. Currently, conscripted service members undergo a five- to six-month training period, after which their actual service begins.
The Minister assured that once the law comes into force in 1.6 years, there will be no issues with staffing the armed forces.
Political Scientist: As long as the opposition remains silent, Pashinyan can use Plan B and secure a constitutional majority
US-Iranian memorandum more beneficial for Iran from political and economic perspective - expert 
Political analyst: While Pashinyan pledges peace with Azerbaijan, Baku continues promoting the "Western Azerbaijan" project
Political analyst: In light of new realities, Yerevan may propose advancing peace process with Baku without constitutional referendum
Present-day geopolitical competition shifts from territorial control to infrastructure flows
Moscow sees situation with Armenia as attempt to attack Russia-involving integration associations - Russian presidential aid
Zakharova: Armenia views relations with Russia as tool for financially securing reorientation toward EU
The Armenian Minister of Justice and the EU Ambassador discussed visa liberalization issues for Yerevan.
Azerbaijan`s aggressive plans against Armenia became possible in wake of Pashinyan`s decisions on Artsakh - expert 
Zakharova: Russia sent a note of protest to Armenia over the act of vandalism at the "Mother Armenia" memorial in Gyumri
Samvel Karapetyan proposes creating a post-election opposition coalition
Artsakh`s Cultural Heritage Ombudsman called on Moscow to respond to destruction of WWII monuments by Azerbaijan in occupied NKR
Prosecutor General`s Office petitions Central Electoral Commission for criminal prosecution of Robert Kocharyan
Dutch Prime Minister expresses his support for Armenia`s democratic reform and economic diversification agenda
Heritage: It`s time for Armenia`s opposition to present people with legitimate alternative to power
RA Security Council Sec, Assistant to President of Azerbaijan hold negotiations in Dilijan 
CEC Neutralizes PAP: Three Political Forces to Enter Armenian Parliament Following Election Vote
Elections in Armenia were accompanied by unprecedented pressure on opposition, RF MFA spokesperson claims 
Expert: Even OSCE observers recorded numerous violations during elections in Armenia 
Moscow to await official results of Armenian elections - Peskov