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At February 23 sitting of the NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security, the legislative initiative on Making Amendments to the Law on Military Service and Serviceman’s Status authored by the NA deputy Taguhi Tovmasyan was debated in the first reading procedure.

The servicemen often rent houses, live in the house of an acquaintance, sign a contract with him/her, pay taxes and submit those documents to the relevant committee, receiving reimbursement of rent.

The deputy Taguhi Tovmasyan proposes not to demand anymore a notarized rent agreement. Only the certificate of the Cadastre Committee on not having property should be enough to use that reimbursement. The deputy noted that the issue was discussed with all stakeholders.

In his co-report, the deputy Vilen Gabrielyan noted that the Expertise and Analytical Department of the National Assembly Staff gave a negative conclusion, on the basis that there was a need for revision. He suggested to not endorse the draft law. The deputy also raised the issue of reviewing the amount to be reimbursed.

The RA Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan, presenting the position of the Government, stated that the proposed amendments do not stem from the essence of the regulation of Article 65 of the law. The purpose of the regulation of Article is not just to provide monetary compensation, but to support servicemen in need of improved housing conditions. The Government plans to give complex solutions to the process of providing housing for servicemen and at the moment, it is proposed to refrain from adopting regulations.

In their speeches, the Committee members referred to the disputable paragraphs of the draft law, also pointed out the positive sides of the reform. It was suggested to consider the compensation as an additional financial support provided to the servicemen. As the main solution to the issue, the expansion of officer settlements was highlighted, it was referred to the social and security components of the initiative.

The Committee Chair Andranik Kocharyan is sure that solutions are needed that will not involve the military in fraud.

As a result of debates, the Committee endorsed the initiative.