President clears Hleb from military duty
London’s Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is cleared from the military service for his professional achievements. His deferment is usually signed by the president.
“There is what is called in this country as occupational deferment, because the man plays for the national team. Another thing is that Alexander plays for English Premiership’s Arsenal. At the same time, we all realize our duty for the Motherland,” Hleb’s manager Andrej Shpilewski told ERB.
The European Radio for Belarus decided to ask the Belarus military directly whether military service was waived for the athletes from national teams. The Ministry of Defense said that deferment for athletes was approved by the president, according to the lists prepared by Sports Ministry.
“Those people are granted deferment in accordance with presidential edicts. It means that the Ministry of Sports and Tourism submits the lists of athletes which need deferment. It is normally issued for one year,” a Ministry of Defense spokesman told ERB.
Dima Koldun, whose conscription was deferred till November so that he could represent Belarus at the Eurovision 2007 song contest, says he does not wish to join the military service. Instead, he is ready to sing songs about the military.
“My deferment expires in November. Afterwards, I plan to feel sick a bit…I would definitely agree to this proposal. I always liked military songs. If they write those songs for me, I would sing them for sure,” Koldun told ERB.
