On April 25 on the initiative of the RA NA Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs parliamentary hearings on the theme “The Problems of Legislative and Legal-Applied Practice of Alternative Service” were held, where NA deputies, representatives of state bodies and NGOs were taking part.

The Committee Chairman Koryun Nahapetyan said that on March 18 the National Assembly in the first reading had passed the package of the bill “On Amending the RA Law on Alternative Service” and “On Amending the RA Law on Putting into Action the RA Criminal Code.” The NA deputies expressed different views and concerns on the draft laws, and the Committee had found expedient to hold parliamentary hearings on that theme.

Welcoming the participants representing different circles of the state administration and civil society of the parliamentary hearings, the NA Vice President Hermine Naghdalyan expressed hope that realistic approaches would be expressed on this problem.

Hermine Naghdalyan also thanked the Chairman and the members of the Committee for organizing a series of parliamentary hearings concerning the most important problems for the country.

The acting RA Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan touched upon the history and content of the creation of the package of bills.

The NA deputy Edmon Marukyan referred to the damages of passing the law with delay and not using the potential of the persons with other religious faith or views.

The Chairwoman of the NGO “Soldier’s Mother” Anahit Hovnanyan touched upon the activity of their organization aimed at the settlement of the problem.

The NA deputy Vahram Baghdasaryan deemed dangerous the adoption of the law “On Alternative Service” in a country, where the threat of war continues.

According to the Chairman of the NGO “Helsinki Civil Assembly of Vanadzor Service” Artur Sakunts, people’s destinies are ruined by the lack of this law.

The speakers also answered the questions of the participants of the hearings.

Summing up the parliamentary hearings the Committee Chairman thanked those present for the active debates and assured that the recommendations on the draft laws sounded during the debate of the package of bills in the second reading would be taken into consideration.