Russia Insists on Georgia’s Binding Commitment not to Station Foreign Forces

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Loshchinin told RIA “Novosti” that Russia will continue to insist on the stipulating within the framework agreement between Georgia and Russia regarding Georgia’s committment not to allow foreign military bases on its territory.

When speaking about the withdrawal of the Russian military bases he said “our withdrawal should not mean that someone else would come instead.” “President Saakashvili has confirmed several times [that foreign military bases would not be stationed in Georgia] but Georgia does not want to stipulate this in the agreement. Taking into account our past experience, we consider such a stipulation necessary,” Loshchinin added.