The Parliament discussed for the I reading and adopted with 81 votes against 1 the Draft Defense Code submitted for expedited consideration.

A new norm is introduced to the Code, entitling a person to appeal the decision on his registration for the conscription within the term of 15 calendar days upon the official delivery thereof, however, the appeal shall not suspend the validity of the decision. A person, serving as a conscript, acquitting the legal basis to be released ahead of time, is entitled to, based on his will, keep serving in the army. In such a case, the person, in line with the legal act of the Minister, may receive additional material allowance and/or social guarantees.

The Draft envisages the regulation of the postponement of the conscription for the students of international universities, namely, the students studying at a higher educational program abroad not in an absentee mode, while the students, attending lectures online shall remain subject to the conscription by providing the options of their acceptable form of service, such as the voluntary training program for the junior reserve officer or a voluntary military training program for the students (a couple of days on a weekly/monthly basis during 4 years), of other types of service (terms of 6, 8 and 11 months).

As the Deputy Defense Minister, Grigol Giorgadze elucidated, the Draft aims at the enhancement of the national defense capacity. The Draft is authored by the Ministry and initiated by the Government.