Guard of honor of the Latvian army, the last march, in Riga TOMS KALINS | EFE
The Latvian government confirms that the Russian invasion of Ukraine forces us to prepare for possible attacks
He Parliament of Latvia (Saeima) approved this Wednesday a law that gradually restores compulsory military service in the Baltic republic 16 years after they abandoned it in favor of professional volunteer armed forces in 2007.
The law, approved by 68 votes to 11 in the 100-member Saeima, provides for the first voluntary recruitment of young people into the armed forces this summer. Drafting of the law began last year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.according to Eph.
Latvian men will have to serve in the national defense for one year after they turn 18. Those who continue their studies after that age, except those who obtain higher education, will be subject to national defense for one year after graduation.
exclusion of women
Women between the ages of 18 and 27 can volunteer for military service, but they don’tor they will be forced to do military service.
The first round of recruitment into the Armed Forces will begin on July 1 this year on a voluntary basis, and from January 1, 2024, military service will be mandatory, but only if the required quota of soldiers is not filled through voluntary applications.
The remaining number will be recruited from male citizens aged 18 and 19, s employment notices sent by e-mailby regular mail or personal delivery, according to the statement of the Ministry of Defense.
Military service can be served for eleven months in the regular forces or in the National Guard; or with five years in the National Guard with at least 21 days of individual training per year and another seven collective or through a five-year educational program, intended for university students.
“The introduction of the National Defense Service is Latvia’s response to the emerging security situation in our region, because we see from Ukraine’s experience that without a morally stable and prepared society it is impossible to deal with an aggressor,” he said in a statement. statement of the Minister of Defense Inara Murniece.
The vote of the deputies puts Latvia in line with other Baltic countries, such as Estonia and Lithuaniawho already have mandatory military service.
Source: La Vozde Galicia
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
