RUSSIA MAY SPEED UP TROOPS WITHDRAWAL FROM GEORGIA – DEFENCE MINISTER
RTR Russia TV, Moscow,
4 Oct 06
[Presenter] Russia may speed up the withdrawal of Russian military
bases from Georgia, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergey
Ivanov said in Bishkek today.
Let me recall that, according to an agreement signed in March this
year, the military base located in Akhalkalak should be removed by
1 October 2007, and the one located in Batumi, by the end of 2008.
[Ivanov] As for the group of Russian troops deployed in the
Transcaucasus, specifically the part of them deployed in Georgia, as
we also have a military base in Armenia, let me assure you, we are not
going to increase the number of these troops, as it makes no sense at
all. On the contrary, we will keep withdrawing our two Russian bases
from Georgia in line with the schedule and even ahead of it. Given
the conditions our servicemen are living in – [changes tack]. I think
all of you understand the condition of our soldiers and officers there.