OSCE Hails Russian-Georgian Agreement on Base Pullout

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, welcomed the agreement signed on March 31 between Russia and Georgia on the temporary functioning and withdrawal of Russian military bases and other military facilities deployed in Georgia, the OSCE press office reported.

“This agreement marks significant progress in the talks between the Russian Federation and Georgia, and is a way forward in the establishment of good neighborly relations between the two countries,” the Minister De Gucht said on April 7.

“It also contributes to enhanced confidence among the countries of the region,” he added.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office also said that the chairmanship remains ready to promote OSCE assistance in support of the implementation of the agreement should this be requested by the Russian and Georgian governments.

Under the agreement, Russia is to complete the withdrawal of the military base in Akhalkalaki by 2007, and finalize the closure of the military base in Batumi by 2008.