The Committee discussed the Draft Defense Code at the working meeting. According to the Chair, Irakli Beraia, the Code, in terms of the defense capacity and organization of the legal basis of the national defense, is a significant legal initiative, the key directions of which were introduced by the Deputy Defense Minister, Grigol Giorgadze.

The document comprises 9 Bills and 5 by-laws and completely meets the total defense principles of Georgia. MPs expressed their opinions concerning the Draft. As the Deputy Chair, Vladimir Chachibaia noted, the Code will serve as the basis for the comprehensive reforming in the Defense Ministry and will be oriented to the enhancement of the national defense capacity.

“Particular attention upon the consideration was attached to the conscripts military service, which offers three versions of serving – 6, 8 and 11-month term and every Georgian citizen shall be entitled to contribute to the defense capacity of the country”, - said Chachibaia.

The conscripts’ service rules were approved by the opposition MP, Alexander Elisashvili.

“Although I represent the opposition party, as a Georgian citizen, I support this reform since I believe that deriving from the regional threats we encounter, the professional contracted army solely cannot be effective for our country but every young man, being capable of serving, shall pass these martial exercises”, - he explained his decision.

As the Committee opted, the document will be submitted to the defense and military experts for scrutiny and put to Committee hearings.