BERLIN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced an exemption to a controversial law that requires men aged 17 to 45 to report long-term foreign travels to the military, the German news agency dpa reported on Wednesday.
The announcement followed recent public uproar over a specific clause in this year's newly implemented legislation, which mandated that all men aged 17 to 45 must obtain permission from the armed forces before traveling abroad for more than three months.
Although the new legislation went into effect at the beginning of this year, the specific clause had largely gone unnoticed. The clarification came after multiple media outlets brought the rule into the spotlight.
Pistorius told dpa that an exemption will be issued this week to clarify the rule. "Whether 17 or 45 years old or in between -- everyone is naturally allowed to travel and currently needs no permission to do so," the minister said, adding that there is no need to report longer stays abroad.
However, he defended the clause as a necessary precaution for potential national emergencies. He said the reporting procedures would only be activated in a state of tension or defense.
Currently, Germany's military service remains voluntary. But if voluntary recruitment fails to meet targets to boost the country's active troop strength, or if Europe's security situation deteriorates, parliament can vote to enforce mandatory service. ■