First batch of Russian military equipment leaves Georgia

Imedi TV, Tbilisi
31 May 05

[Presenter] The successful negotiation [on the pull-out of Russian
military bases] seems to have produced a practical result – Russian
military hardware is leaving Georgia.

A short time ago the first train loaded with military vehicles left
the Urekhi firing range near Batumi [in Ajaria]. The transit procedure
was agreed with the Georgian authorities. The equipment being withdrawn
from Ajaria will be redeployed to Armenia and Russia.

The train is carrying chemical reconnaissance vehicles of several
types, decontamination kits, special thermal equipment and long-range
missiles [as heard]. The train is accompanied by several Russian
servicemen. It is not yet known when the next batch of military
equipment is scheduled to be withdrawn. Now you can see exclusive
footage provided by our correspondent in Batumi, Merab Tsulukidze.
[Video shows moving train loaded with various military lorries]