Giving information about the draft law first vice-speaker of the parliament, chairman of the committee on security and defense Ziyafat Asgarov said it consists of 9 chapters and 54 paragraphs. “Though a number of laws on military system have been adopted so far, most of them do not meet the modern standards. The Armed Forces have entered a new stage of development and this has made necessary new changes to the legislation,” vice-speaker underlined. Vice-speaker said the draft law was prepared within two years.

Ziyafat Asgarov said the draft law does not cover the issue on draft deferment for the persons studying master’s degree program, reduction of the number of conscriptions from four to two.

According to the new law, draft deferment can be granted in connection with family status, state of health, continuation of education, nomination of candidates for parliament and municipalities (from the day of registration of candidacy till the official announcement of elections), the activity of parliamentarian, judge, human rights commissioner.

The law includes paragraphs on summoning of military officials in reserve to the military trainings, military inspection and special meetings. MP Zahid Oruj touched on the importance of draft deferment for the persons studying master’s degree program. According to him, this step will serve ensure continuity in education.

Gudrat Hasanguliyev said serious reforms should be carried out in the military system, the personnel using weapons with the exception of small arms should be professional, the persons studying master’s degree program should be granted draft deferment.

“The army supply, discipline should be strengthened. There are a lot of non-battle losses. This causes concern of the Azerbaijani people. The military pay is too low,” he said.

Siyavush Novruzov said only 3 percent of the master’s degree holders are engaged in science.
“Most are looking for jobs in other spheres,” he said.

MP Ganira Pashayeva said rejection of draft deferment for the persons studying master’s degree program causes discontent.

“Secondary school leavers are predominantly serving in the army. We all are aware of the level of the basic military training at secondary schools. We should analyze the level of knowledge of our young people serving in the army. Ministers of defense and education should think over it. High scores should be required for admission to the military schools,” she said.

Parliamentarians Aydin Mirzazadeh, Elmira Akhundova, Mubariz Gurbanli, Tahir Rzayev, Chingiz Ganizadeh, Agiya Nakhchivanli and others expressed their views and made proposals concerning the draft law.