US Supports Georgia’s Efforts to Disband Russian Military Bases

(Tbilisi February 11, 2003. Civil Georgia) – US administration would facilitate Georgia’s efforts to close down Russian military bases deployed in Georgia, Stephen G. Rademaker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control said on February 10 after the meeting with the Georgian President.

According to the 1999 OSCE Istanbul treaty during the year 2000 Georgia and Russia were to complete negotiations regarding the duration and modalities of the functioning of the Russian military bases at Batumi (Autonomous Republic of Adjara) and Akhalkalaki (southern Georgia) and the Russian military facilities within the territory of Georgia.

So far Georgian and Russian sides failed to reach the agreement regarding these two military bases. Russia insists that 11 years are needed to disband bases in Akhalkalaki and Batumi, while the Georgian side claims three-year term is enough to close down these bases.

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