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Former Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan, who is currently under arrest, has criticized the proposal to shorten the compulsory military service in exchange for a hefty fee.

The bill, circulated by the Defense Ministry last week, would allow draftees to serve only four and a half months in the army after paying the state 24 million drams.

The new measure is to be discussed and approved by the government before being submitted to the parliament.

In his comments to the media publicized by Tonoyan’s lawyers on Monday, the former minister said the draft law “is in line with the "peace agenda" of the government and the ruling team.”

Tonoyan stressed that he constantly opposed such initiatives while in office.

"For me, the proposed amendments are unacceptable. Service in the Armenian military should be welcomed and encouraged, rather than a ransom for exemptions from serving the homeland be set," he stated.

Tonoyan also wondered if the names of those willing to pay the fee would be made public.