**Title: Family Faces Challenges Over Son's Military Draft Status in Cyprus**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A family in Cyprus is raising concerns over the military draft status of their son, Serge, who they claim was never served with a draft notice for the National Guard. Instead of rectifying the situation, the army has classified him as a deserter, resulting in a two-week military prison sentence added to his standard conscription time. This predicament has left the family grappling with the implications of military obligations that they believe are unjust.
The story begins with a photograph from 2010, capturing a significant moment in the family’s life when Serge graduated with high academic honors. It was the last time they spent a day together in Cyprus, as Serge subsequently left to pursue his studies in the United States. Before his departure, the family sought confirmation of his military status through a reputable law firm, which verified that Serge's name did not appear on any military call-up list.
Serge, who turned 16 in 2007, fell into a unique category. His family belongs to a minority group that was exempt from military service until 2008, and as such, his name was not included in the annual list submitted to the defense ministry. This oversight meant that he was not drafted when the conscription rules expanded to include Maronites, Armenians, and Latins.
After moving to the United States, Serge earned a degree and later a master’s degree at Imperial College in London. He has established a successful career in structural engineering and has never held a Cypriot passport, nor does he intend to live in Cyprus. However, despite his citizenship in both the UK and the US, Serge's name remains on an airport stop list, preventing him from visiting his aging parents.
The family has made repeated appeals to the military to resolve this issue, but their requests have been met with refusal. The army has stated that Serge is one of “thousands” in similar situations, and that withdrawing their case against him could set an undesirable precedent. This response has left the family feeling trapped, as they are forced to travel to see their son or meet him elsewhere, a situation that has persisted for 16 years and could continue for another 15 years, given that military obligations extend until the age of 50.
The father, Haro Chakmakjian, expresses his frustration not only as Serge’s parent but also as someone dealing with chronic health issues that limit his ability to travel. He questions why, if there are indeed thousands of similar cases, the army and the ministry do not conduct a thorough investigation to alleviate the suffering of families like theirs.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding military service obligations in Cyprus, particularly for individuals from minority groups with unique circumstances. As the family continues to navigate these challenges, they hope for a resolution that would allow them to reunite without the burden of military obligations hanging over them.
The case raises broader questions about the military draft system in Cyprus and the treatment of individuals who may fall through the cracks due to administrative oversights. As the family awaits a response, they remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to reconnect with their son without the constraints imposed by military regulations.