FIVE CONDITIONS FOR CIVIC TRUST
Antimilitarist Appeal to President and Government
Today, when anti-reformist, militarist opposition is being mobilized in the country, we consider as urgent need establishing of a constructive dialog between government of liberal reforms and that part of civic society which is attached to the values of democracy, antimilitarism, freedom and nonviolence.
We are deeply convinced, that further movement of Russia on the way of democracy is not compatible with preservation of an outdated and dishonored institution, which is institution of conscription. The steps currently undertaken in the sphere of military reform, does not touch real grounds of crisis of Russian armed forces.
We consider necessary:
1. Immediate liberation and ceasing criminal persecution against those objecting military service or participation In Chechen war on reasons of conscience.
2. Strict realization of president's Decree No. 722 of May 16, 1996 about transition to fully voluntary recruitment of armed forces by the year 2000, as well as Decree No. 723 of the same date about voluntary participation of drafted servicemen in service in "hot spots". Urgent fulfillment by the Government the instruction which is contained in the Decree No. 722 about preparation and presentation to the parliament respective draft laws.
3. Before a democratic and nondiscriminatory law on alternative civilian service will be adopted and before following transition to the voluntary recruitment of armed forces -- immediate granting by president's decree a conscription delays to all those who want perform alternative civilian service instead of military service.
4. Immediate - before transition to the professional army - reducing the military service term down to twelve months, and eight months with persons with high education.
5. Reducing of joint military expenditures in federal budget down to the level not exceeding joint expenditures for health care and education.
We are convinced, that fulfillment of the above mentioned conditions would seriously contribute into establishing of trust of Russian citizens to the course of liberal and democratic reforms - a trust whose absence would make this course unprotected in front of militarist, anti-reformist, revenge offensive.
Antimilitarist Radical Association (ARA)
Russian Committee of Soldiers' Mothers
Democratic Perspective
Youth Solidarity Movement
Popola Rusia Esperanto Movado (PREM)
(the Appeal is open for adhesion)
--------------------+------------------+---------+--------------
Name, Surname, or | Postal Address | Phone | Fax | E-mail
Name of Organization| | | |
--------------------+------------------+---------+------+-------
| | | |
--------------------+------------------+---------+------+-------
| | | |
--------------------+------------------+---------+------+-------
About adhesions please inform the ARA:
Ul. Trubnaja 25-2-49, 103051 Moscow, Russia
Tel. / fax: +7-095-923.9127
E-mail: ARA@glasnet.ru
