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RUSSIA RATIFIES AGREEMENTS ON MILITARY BASES ABKHAZIA, SOUTH OSSETIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
September 28, 2011 - 13:38 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian parliament's upper house ratified
agreements on Wednesday, September 28, concluded last year with
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, under which Moscow will set up military
bases in the breakaway republics.
The treaties allow Russia to operate military bases Abkhazia and South
Ossetia for an initial term of 49 years, with possible extensions for
an additional 15 years, Federation Council Defense Committee Chairman
Viktor Ozerov said.
On September 22, the parliament's lower house, the State Duma, ratified
the same agreement. Georgia's Foreign Ministry described the move as
an unlawful and irresponsible legitimization of the Russian military
presence in the separatist regions.
Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a
five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South
Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's
decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the
two regions part of its sovereign territory.
Besides Russia, the republics' independence has also been recognized
by Nicaragua and Venezuela, as well as the tiny Pacific nations of
Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday Russia's
readiness to act as a guarantor of non-use of force agreements
between Georgia and its breakaway republics. Speaking during the 66th
session of the UN General Assembly in New York, he said Russia was
"determined to do everything possible" to avert another war in the
Caucasus similar to the one that occurred in August 2008.
Russia earlier presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council
calling for an agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia
and Abkhazia. The initiative was blocked by Western nations seeking
a comprehensive peace deal that stipulated the return of Georgian
refugees to Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reported.
From: Baghdasarian
PanARMENIAN.Net
September 28, 2011 - 13:38 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian parliament's upper house ratified
agreements on Wednesday, September 28, concluded last year with
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, under which Moscow will set up military
bases in the breakaway republics.
The treaties allow Russia to operate military bases Abkhazia and South
Ossetia for an initial term of 49 years, with possible extensions for
an additional 15 years, Federation Council Defense Committee Chairman
Viktor Ozerov said.
On September 22, the parliament's lower house, the State Duma, ratified
the same agreement. Georgia's Foreign Ministry described the move as
an unlawful and irresponsible legitimization of the Russian military
presence in the separatist regions.
Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a
five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South
Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's
decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the
two regions part of its sovereign territory.
Besides Russia, the republics' independence has also been recognized
by Nicaragua and Venezuela, as well as the tiny Pacific nations of
Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday Russia's
readiness to act as a guarantor of non-use of force agreements
between Georgia and its breakaway republics. Speaking during the 66th
session of the UN General Assembly in New York, he said Russia was
"determined to do everything possible" to avert another war in the
Caucasus similar to the one that occurred in August 2008.
Russia earlier presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council
calling for an agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia
and Abkhazia. The initiative was blocked by Western nations seeking
a comprehensive peace deal that stipulated the return of Georgian
refugees to Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reported.
From: Baghdasarian