1,500 Georgians protest against withdrawal of Russian bases

.c The Associated Press

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) – About 1,500 residents of a southern Georgian town
gathered Monday to protest the future withdrawal of a Russian military base,
Rustavi-2 television reported in a sign of local objections to Georgia’s firm
intention to close down the last two remaining Soviet-era bases.

Participants in the rally called on the Georgian government not to rush the
pullout of the 62nd Russian military base, saying they feared for their
livelihood. Many residents of the town of Akhalkalaki, close to the border with
Armenia, work at the base.

They adopted an appeal to Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili to help
solve the region’s social and economic problems.

Georgia and Russia have been sparring furiously over the timetable for
withdrawal. Tbilisi wants the troops out within two years, if not earlier, while
Moscow insists it needs at least four years, if not more than a decade, to
complete the job.

The Russian daily Kommersant said last week that Moscow is motivated in part
by fears its military presence in Armenia – its closest ally in the
strategic Caucasus region – could be at risk if it pulls out of Georgia.

Russia does not border Armenia, and uses Georgian territory to move troops
and equipment to its military base there.

03/14/05 03:02 EST