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RUSSIA'S MILITARY PULLS OUT WITH NO FUSS
Kommersant, Russia
May 4 2006
Pulling out Russia's military of Akhalkalaki base, Georgia, commenced
yesterday, May 3, 2006. Despite the general agitation, the Armenian
locals didn't step in to oppose the withdrawal.
The military of Russia and the authorities of Georgia were getting
ready for withdrawal of defense weapons and equipment from the 62nd
military base in Akhalkalaki as if it were some comprehensive military
operation. The locals of Akhalkalaki, predominately the Armenians,
staged rallies past week claiming the withdrawal would mean the loss
of jobs for them. A few feared the threat of the Turkish expansion
might increase once Russia's soldiers leave the region.
A special police squad of Georgian Interior Ministry arrived in
Akhalkalaki at night to Wednesday to break up the crowd should it
attempt to block the base and oppose the withdrawal. But the rally
gathered just a few dozens of locals. The protesters independently
decided to disperse, as the machinery slated for withdrawal on May 3,
left the base at 4:00 a.m. The Armenians also said they wouldn't hold
rallies on the day of mourning - an Armenian airliner crashed into
the Black Sea May 3.
Kommersant, Russia
May 4 2006
Pulling out Russia's military of Akhalkalaki base, Georgia, commenced
yesterday, May 3, 2006. Despite the general agitation, the Armenian
locals didn't step in to oppose the withdrawal.
The military of Russia and the authorities of Georgia were getting
ready for withdrawal of defense weapons and equipment from the 62nd
military base in Akhalkalaki as if it were some comprehensive military
operation. The locals of Akhalkalaki, predominately the Armenians,
staged rallies past week claiming the withdrawal would mean the loss
of jobs for them. A few feared the threat of the Turkish expansion
might increase once Russia's soldiers leave the region.
A special police squad of Georgian Interior Ministry arrived in
Akhalkalaki at night to Wednesday to break up the crowd should it
attempt to block the base and oppose the withdrawal. But the rally
gathered just a few dozens of locals. The protesters independently
decided to disperse, as the machinery slated for withdrawal on May 3,
left the base at 4:00 a.m. The Armenians also said they wouldn't hold
rallies on the day of mourning - an Armenian airliner crashed into
the Black Sea May 3.