Putin: Military Presence in Georgia not Important for Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 23 that a Russian military presence in Georgia does not represent an important matter, in respect to Russia?s security, but also added that he would not like other countries to deploy their troops in Georgia after Russia pulls out its bases.

?I would not like foreign troops or contingents of other countries to appear in Georgia after our pullout. This would endanger our safety and our Georgian partners understand this,? RIA Novosti quotes Vladimir Putin as saying.

He also said that Moscow should not oppose Georgia?s ?sovereign right? regarding the demand to close Russian bases in Georgia.

But, after saying that these bases are not of strategic importance for Russia, Putin also added ?this is not my opinion, this is the position of the General Staff [of the Russian Armed Forces].?

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