Moscow, Tbilisi Hold Talks over Military Bases Withdrawal

(Tbilisi, September 2, 2003, Civil Georgia) – Russian delegation visits Tbilisi on September 2-3 to hold talks with Georgian authorities over withdrawal of Russian military bases from Georgia.

Georgia demand the removal of Russian troops and military hardware from the military bases in Akhalkalaki, southern Georgia, and Batumi, the capital of Adjarian Autonomous Republic, within three years. The Russian side insists on pulling out only after 14 years.

The Georgian side also wants to monitor the Russian military base in Gudauta, Abkhazia. Russia claims that it has complied with the 1999 OSC!
E Istanbul agreement and has disbanded the Gudauta base, however Georgia is doubtful.

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