Russia Against Immediate Closure of Military Bases in Georgia

(Tbilisi, December 24, 2002. Civil Georgia) – “The immediate closure of our military bases in Georgia is not planned,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov told the reporters in St. Petersburg today.

Russian news agencies report quoting Ivanov that at the moment talks continue between Russia and Georgia on the issue unsuccessfully.  

Georgia demands closure of the Russian military bases in Akhalkalaki and Batumi within the three years, while the Russian side insists on 11 years.

At the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit parties agreed to complete negotiations regarding the duration and modalities of the functioning of these bases. But so far Russia and Georgia fail to reach an agreement.