Early pullout of garrison from Tbilisi to begin in 2nd half of Nov

Early pullout of garrison from Tbilisi to begin in 2nd half of Nov

02.11.2006, 17.50

TBILISI, November 2 (Itar-Tass) – Early pullout of the Russian
garrison from Tbilisi will begin in the second half of November, the
headquarters of Russian troops in Transcaucasia /GRVZ/ told Itar-Tass
on Thursday.

"A schedule for the withdrawal of the servicemen and equipment of the
Tbilisi garrison has been drawn. This schedule is being coordinated
with Georgian authorities, who will ensure the safety of the pullout of
the equipment and the servicemen, in line with the existing accords,"
a military official said.

"A meeting between representatives of the GRVZ and the Georgian Defense
Ministry will take place within the next few days, who will discuss
the procedures of withdrawing equipment and personnel. A small group
of GRVZ officers will continue service at the Russian military bases
in Batumi and Akhalkalaki, to ensure the process of completing the
pullout of these bases from Georgia," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Troops commander of the North Caucasus military
district /SKVO/, General of the Army Alexander Baranov all Russian
servicemen will leave the Tbilisi garrison by the end of this
year. A total of 100 units of equipment and 350 tonnes of property
and ammunition will be withdrawn.

Two freight trains with garrison property will be evacuated to Russia,
and another two – to the Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia,
through Azerbaijan.

The early withdrawal is being implemented at the instruction of
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov.

Baranov also promised housing to all the servicemen from among the
withdrawing troops who will be transferred to reserve in the near
future.