MINSK, June 16 (AVN) - A working group set up by the order of the Belarussian prime minister is ending the development of a special article of the law On Military Duty, a source in the Belarussian General Staff told the Military News Agency.
The article will define the order of alternative service for the draftees who decline to swear in and take arms for religious or other reasons.
Until now such draftees were enlisted into the railroad troops. Now they will have the opportunity not to wear the military uniform on a legal basis. In the course of 36 months the alternative servicemen will serve in the state institutions, hospitals, pensions, orphan asylums, etc. The list of the organisations and the order of housing the servicemen, providing them with the uniform, food is being decided.
It is planned that the new law with the article on alternative service will be sent for consideration by the Belarussian national assembly already in autumn 2000.