Russia, Georgia Fail to Agree over Framework Agreement

The talks over a comprehensive framework agreement between Russia and Georgia are stalled, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze said on February 10.
 
?The talks [held in Tbilisi on February 10] brought nothing. Moreover, I doubt that we will achieve success, especially against the background of those arguments put forwards by the Russian side,? Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze told reporters on February 10.

Controversy persists over the Russian proposal to include a legally binding refusal by Georgia to station military bases of third countries on its soil. Tbilisi vows that there will be no third country’s military base in Georgia, however refuses to include this provision in the agreement.
 
Meanwhile, separate talks will be held in Tbilisi between Georgian and Russian officials on February 11 regarding the removal of two Russian military bases which are currently stationed in the south-western Georgian town of Akhalkalaki and in Batumi, in the Adjara Autonomous Republic.