Russia Launches Military Hardware Pullout from Akhalkalaki

Russia launched the removal of heavy military equipment from its military base in Akhalkalaki on May 13, RIA Novosti and Interfax news agencies reported.

Assistant Commander of the Russian Land Troops Igor Konoshenkov said that seven battle tanks, 10 armored vehicles and amphibious scout cars, as well as other military hardware would be withdrawn from Akhalkalaki through the railway via Tsalka (Georgia) and Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation on May 15.

He also said that a second train loaded with military hardware will leave Georgia for Russia on May 23. A total of 21 trains will be loaded until October. Moreover, one more train will leave for Russia via Azerbaijan from the Batumi military base.

Georgia and Azerbaijan are responsible for the security of transportation on their respective territories.

According to the agreement between Russia and Georgia, the Akhalkalaki military base should be completely vacated before December 31, 2007.