Creation of volunteer military units does not suppose free circulation of weapon: deputy DM

The critics of the bill on creating volunteer military units seem not to have read it, deputy defense minister Gabriel Balayan told the reporters today.

“You will not see any place where it is said that the citizens will be given weapon for free circulation. The volunteer military units suppose engagement exclusively during military activities, in case of existence of direct military threat,” he said.

Balayan noted that the weapon, the ammunition will be distributed to the civilians enlisted in the volunteer military units only in case when the military actions start in concrete settlements.

“I do not know where such supposition comes from that armed people will walk in towns or communities, there is no such thing. Yes, we suppose that the quantity of arms in corresponding enlisted areas will be increased to distribute them in case of necessity,” the deputy defense minister said.

Balayan added that this initiative is aimed at preparing the population to possible military actions.

He said they are planning to engage people under 70.

“They will get corresponding assignment, get use of corresponding social guarantees,” the deputy minister said.