Nicosia, Jun 20 (CNA) – Cyprus' Council of Ministers has decided to amend the law governing military service in the Republic’s armed forces, the National Guard, in an effort to ensure equal treatment for all male Cypriot citizens who are drafted in for a two-year service.
The proposed bill, to go to the House for consideration, provides for the drafting of Maronites, Latins and Armenians – who belong to the Greek Cypriot community, as of 2008 for compulsory military service.
The bill also deals with the military service of those who declare themselves to be conscientious objectors, and recommends amendments to the existing legislation.
The government bill also proposes alternative compulsory service for those who say they are facing health problems and cannot serve in the military but are considered capable of serving in alternative services.
Furthermore, the government proposes amendments to the military service of males who come from large families. It provides for reduced (14 months instead of 25) military service for the third male in a family, provided that the two older siblings have served a full term.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.
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