" The proper military reserve and mobilization system, together with the strong professional army is the main pillar of our defense capability,""- said The President in his fourth annual address at the parliament.

Giorgi Margvelashvili spoke about renewed concept of reserve and mobilization and underlined that the country"s defense capabilities should serve only to the defense capability of the country.

" Last year, at the National Security Council meeting, I supported the upcoming reforms in the Defense Ministry. The U.S. supported “Georgia Defense Readiness Programme” and the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package help us in the processes of reform implementation and building our defense capability.

The proper military reserve and mobilization system, together with the strong professional army is the main pillar of our defense capability. We have discussed the “Concept on Development and Management of Military Reserves” presented by the Ministry of Defense. I think that this concept has to be supported and will gain a public approval.

Moreover, I see the final solution of disputed issue regarding the restoration of compulsory military service in the frame of this renewed concept. I welcome this approach, when each recruit will undertake a three-month Basic Combat Training course; However, I think that the compulsory military service should serve only to the defense capability of the country and therefore, other state institutions must find alternative resources to support the functions carried out by the recruits,"- said the President.

" I want to express my gratitude once again to the Georgian Armed Forces and their families for their devotion and sacrifice towards our country. Georgian soldiers strengthen the image of our country in the international arena and are the guarantors of the united, strong and free State. The contribution of Georgian soldiers is invaluable on Georgia’s NATO integration path,"- underlined Giorgi Margvelashvili.