Russian MPs Speak Tough on Tbilisi’s Intentions over Bases

Russia’s lower house of Parliament passed a statement on May 13 recommending that the Russian President and the government take counter measures if the Georgian side imposes restrictions on Russian military bases stationed in Batumi and Akhalkalaki, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

These counter measures, reflected in the Russian Parliament’s statement, include: the halting of issuing Russian entry visas to Georgian citizens and the tightening of measures aimed at deporting those Georgians currently living in Russia without visas.

According to this statement by the Russian Parliament, Russia has the right to resort to even “tougher measures” in order to ensure the safety of Russian citizens, provide security for the Russian military bases, maintain Russian military hardware, ammunition and in order “to ensure stability and security in this region.”

This statement was passed in response to the resolution adopted by the Georgian lawmakers in March, which envisages imposing of certain restrictions, including halting of issuing visas for the Russian servicemen and restricting movement of Russian cargo and soldiers on the Georgian soil, in case there is no progress in talks over the military bases withdrawal before May 15, 2005.

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