Abkhaz leader, Sergey Bagapsh, confirmed that “an agreement in principle” had been reached with Moscow to base Russian warships in Ochamchire.

Bagapsh said that “no signed treaty” existed on the matter currently, but the agreement had been reached that construction of the base in Ochamchire would start this year.

Russian news agency, Itar-Tass, reported on January 26 quoting unnamed Russian navy official that Russia would launch setting up of a base for its Black Sea Fleet in the breakaway region’s port of Ochamchire.

The Abkhaz leader said on January 26 that the base in Ochamchire would be created in frames of a comprehensive treaty on friendship and cooperation signed between Moscow and Sokhumi in September.