EN
7 April 2003 - 14:57 AMT

RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY READY TO ACCEPT CIS CITIZENS FOR MILITARY SERVICE

The Russian defense ministry intends to address the State Duma a legislative initiative to accept not only Russian citizens for military service, but also those of other CIS countries. As reported by “Interfax” agency, defense minister Sergey Ivanov announced in Minsk last weekend. In his words, the initiative is due to the beginning of the contract-based replenishment of the Russian Armed Forces. It will give an upper hand to people, who wish to accept Russian citizenship – in case of irreproachable service it may become possible not in five years as provided for by the law, but in three, the minister noted.