I was very glad to see, that conscientious objection draft bill is finally scheduled for first reading in State Duma for December 14. I would like to precise, that its text is available not only in Moscow office of the party but also in this Conference - text 4006, both Russian and English versions (when finally also Russian versions for many texts, existing in Agora, become visible?!).
I share in some sense Maria Ivanjan's optimism about that draft bill. Nevertheless, I would like to stress again, that it is yet far from being really democratic. First of all because of provided in this draft bill possibility for Military Recruitment Office to establish autonomously, whose convictions permit to obtain alternative civilian service, and whose not. No examination for belief must be provided - this is exactly position of Radical Party and Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, fixed in a jointly issued memorandum, which contains proposed by these two organizations amendments to the conscientious objection draft bill. (This text is also available in this Conference under number 4007).
In this context, when finally we got some clearness concerning the time framework, we should think, which steps can be undertaken on this stage of our campaign. The text of RP/CSM memorandum was already directed to the members of two Duma's commissions, drafted the bill. Probably, it is time now to send letters to all the members of State Duma - before they will debate the bill on December 14, in one week?
I would like also to know - and this question is directed to Maria Ivanjan first of all, as to a person working in Duma on this bill - if there will be taken in consideration by some way the proposals fixed in RP/CSM memorandum?