Armenian students halt hunger strike, walkout in favor of discussionsNovember 15, 2017 - 17:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Member of the movement "For the development of science" Davit Petrosyan said on Wednesday, November 15 that the students are halting the hunger strike and walkout in protest of a new law on military service, RFE/RL Armenian Service reports. The parliament, by the way, approved the draft law in its second and final reading on Wednesday. Following a meeting with deputy parliament speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, Petrosyan said they will continue their struggle in the form of round-table discussions. Petrosyan said they are trying to be as constructive as possible. "This is one of the best options for the time being," he added. Sharmazanov said, in turn, that they have discussed several issues: "The guys are proposing round table discussion, and we agree with them. Researchers and professors will attend those meetings, while the committee of education will hold public discussions about deferment of military service and other issues." Under the law, the Armenian citizens will be granted deferment of service only after they sign a contract with the defense ministry and commit themselves to serving in the army for a period of three years after graduation. Otherwise, they will be drafted once they turn 18. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |