Consul denies rumours about Russian naval bases in Montenegro

Consul denies rumours about Russian naval bases in Montenegro

Vijesti, Podgorica
14 Jul 06

Text of report by N.V Vaniev entitled "We are not interested in that"

Russia is absolutely not interested in opening a military base in
Montenegro. Our relations are friendly and we are working on good
neighbourly cooperation, development of trade, tourism and we have
absolutely no military goals in the area of Montenegro, Russian
Federation consul in Podgorica Vladimir Vaniev told Vijesti recently.

Earlier, unofficial sources in the government told Vijesti that no
country had suggested building a military base in the coastal area.

Not a word can be said about Russian military bases in Montenegro. We
have bases in former Soviet republics, along the borders of Russia,
but we are abandoning them slowly, like in Georgia. In Armenia they
are interested in having our troops remain. It is not only a defence
issue, it also concerns employment, Vaniev explained.