MOSCOW, October 8 - RAPSI. The government has endorsed a set of regulations aimed at allowing clergymen to dodge Russia's obligatory military draft. The regulations were posted online on Friday.

In early July, Vladimir Putin decided to grant deferment from the army for up to 150 clergymen each year who have been ordained and who hold office in a religious organization, or who serve as a deputy commander (director), working with Orthodox servicemen, for the duration of their work in this capacity.

According to the government executive order of October 4, the quota will be allocated by the governmental commission on religious associations, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov.

To secure a deferment, a religious authority must file a request with the government three months in advance. The clergymen granted the deferment must undergo the two month's special training run by the Ministry of Defense which is obligatory for the position of deputy commander.