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Russia Drafts Preliminary Military Service Bill VOA News 15 Feb 2002 05:25 UTC 
Russia has moved closer to introducing a civilian alternative to military service, after the government drafted a preliminary military service bill.
Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matvienko says the measure, if approved by parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin, will make it easier for young Russians to sign up for such service. She says the proposal will allow conscripts to serve in the region where they live. This will make it easier for them to continue their education if they choose to do so.
Ms. Matvienko stressed, however, that there is no agreement on the length of alternative service. The government proposes three years, while army commanders prefer four years.
Under the current law, most Russian conscripts spend two years in the armed forces.
The Russian armed forces have 1.2-million personnel. Desertions and suicides among soldiers are common.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and DPA.
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