175 Thousand Russians to Be Called up for Military Service in Spring 2003 - 1 April, 2003

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree yesterday 'on the call-up of Russian citizens for military service in April-June 2003 and the release from military service of those who have completed their service.' As the president's press office announced, the call-up will begin today. A total of 175,050 people will be summoned for military service this spring but, according to the presidential decree, only men between the ages of 18 and 27 will be called up. Those servicemen who have completed their term of service will be released from duty according to the law on military service. This decree comes into force from the day of publication.