Turkmen parliament approves law "On Defense" and Customs Code

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Sept.27/ Trend, H. Hasanov /

The Mejlis or parliament of Turkmenistan has approved the law "On Defense" and the Customs Code.

The defense law has been developed to take into account the Turkmenistan's approved military doctrine and regulates organization the nation's defense, the functions and authorities of relevant agencies, rights and duties of citizens, organizations, institutions and enterprises and their heads.

The law aims to contribute to Turkmenistan's defense, sovereignty and territorial integrity, state security, as well as the fulfillment of international obligations by Turkmenistan.

MPs also approved a draft law "On Military Duty and Military Service," which will provide the legal regulation in this area for implementation of constitutional duties and responsibility of citizens to defend the nation.

The bill defined the procedure for the conduct of military registration, training, military service, and the length of time reservists must serve. Taking into account the UN Convention "On Rights of Child", to which Turkmenistan is a signatory, the conscription age of the country has been set at 18 years-old. Along with this, the age limit for military service has been reduced from 30 to 27 years.

The parliament also adopted the law "On approval and enactment of the Customs Code of Turkmenistan", aimed at regulating the activities of the customs system of the country based on existing national legislation and universally recognized norms of international law.

The law is intended to promote further development of Turkmenistan's foreign trade, which is an important areas in the national economic strategy, an "open door" policy and mutually beneficial cooperation with all interested foreign partners.