Russia’s Nezavisimaya Gazeta quoted the Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, Col.Gen. Anatoliy Grebenyuk, as saying that his country intends to build two new military bases in the North Caucasus.
According to Col.Gen. Grebenyuk, a draft budget, submitted for review bt the Russian Parliament on September 30, allocates 6 billion roubles (approximately USD 205 thousand ) for the construction of a base of the Mountain Brigade, currently under construction in the Russian republic of Dagestan. Similar budgetary allocations are foreseen for the construction of a second base. Both military bases are expected to be located within close proximity of the Greater Caucasus mountain range.
Earlier, Russia cited a lack of funds as the core reason for its refusal to withdraw two military bases from Georgia. According to Georgian officials, Russia asked for foreign financial assistance to aid int the withdrawal.