The Armenian National Assembly has passed in its first reading a bill authored by MP Hayk Sargsyan that offers new legal pathways for citizens aged 27 to 37 who previously avoided compulsory military service.

According to Factor.am, the bill received 87 votes in favor, with no votes against and 5 abstentions.

“I thank the Hayastan bloc for voting in favor. I’m puzzled why I Have Honor faction didn’t,” Sargsyan remarked after the vote.

Under the proposed law, eligible individuals will be exempt from criminal liability if they voluntarily return to Armenia and select one of the following five options:

1. Serve 24 months in the military
2. Serve 12 months and pay 2.5 million AMD to the state
3. Serve 6 months and pay 5 million AMD
4. Serve 1 month and pay 10 million AMD
5. Pay 15 million AMD with no service required