Russian command requests Georgian visas for over 1,000 servicemen

Russian command requests Georgian visas for over 1,000 servicemen

Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS Military Newswire
August 4, 2006 Friday 4:48 PM MSK

TBILISI Aug 4 — The command of the Russian military force in
Transcaucasia has sent a list of over 1,000 servicemen who are
applying for entry visas to do their military service in Georgia to
the Georgian authorities.

"We are asking for visas for exactly as many people as have left
Georgia and hope for a positive reply," a spokesman for the command
told Interfax-Military News Agency on Friday.

"This is essential for the continuation of the base withdrawal
process," he said.

"Six trains of arms have left the 12th base in Batumi this year.

The armaments were taken to the 102nd Russian base in Gyumri, Armenia.

Twelve trains have left the 62nd base in Akhalkalaki. From there the
arms and vehicles are being withdrawn to Russia. Six more trains will
leave Akhalkalaki this year," he said.

"This year our emphasis is on heavy vehicles, next year we will focus
on property and equipment that remains in large quantities," he said.

The Russian military bases in Georgia are due to close down during
2008.