12 Armenian conscripts deserted the Akhaltsikhe 31st Infantry Battalion
JOHN C.K. DALY
United Press International
May 6 2005
UPI Intelligence Watch
When you say “draft dodgers,” most people think of U.S. youth opposed
to the war in Vietnam. Last Monday, however, 12 Armenian conscripts
deserted the Akhaltsikhe 31st Infantry Battalion of the Georgian
Ministry of Defense. The Armenian conscripts, all from Akhalkalaki,
had been called up for service in the Georgian army; they claim they
went AWOL because they were subjected to ethnically motivated abuse.
Georgia’s Defense Ministry has launched an investigation into the
circumstances surrounding the desertions from the 31st Infantry
Battalion; the battalion commander categorically denies the soldiers’
allegations. According to the battalion commander the draftees from
Akhalkalaki when originally called up were promised positions in the
border defense force but were sent instead to serve in Akhaltsikhe,
which is why they deserted. The draft dodgers, who returned to their
homes, have stated that they have no objections to serving in the
Georgian army but want to be posted to Akhalkalaki.