Russia keen to opt for sharing plan (375 words)

Published: 1/5/2001

Russia and Georgia are currently engaged in discussions, regarding the transfer of Russian bases to the Georgian authorities. The Deputy Prime Minister, Ilya Klebanov, is reported to have held talks with the Georgian authorities, regarding the possible joint use of the airbase at Vaziani. This would be effective from 1st July 2001, when the Istanbul Agreement requires Russian withdrawal from its bases in Georgia. There are two other military bases at Batumi and Akhalkalaki. This is the fifth round of such discussions between the two countries, held under the auspices of the Russo-Georgian Economic Commission. According to Klebanov, the joint operation proposal is similar to that employed by the Russians/Americans at Pristina Airport, Kosovo. It would mean joint administration, security and servicing, with the exception of international and third country flights, which will be serviced by the Georgian authorities. Reports indicate that, despite the inability of the Georgians to take over the facilities (due to funding problems), they remain cautious of retaining a Russian presence in the country. The Chief of the Georgian General Staff, Joni Pirtskhalaishvili, has suggested that once withdrawal has occurred, negotiations can then take place. To date, agreement has been reached on the transfer of seven facilities to the Georgian armed forces, including an airbase in Novoalexeyevsk. Apparently, the facilities have not been used by the Russian armed forces for some time, so they are not unhappy to hand them over. The Military News Agency says that Major-General Albert Druzhinin (Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defence - Department for International Military Co-operation) stated that the various military elements met prior to the discussions to “minimise contradictions in the parties' approach to Russian military bases in Georgia”. The developments in Georgia come at a time when the Russians are in active discussions with other CIS countries through the CIS Defence Ministers' Council (last meeting - Moscow/late December 1999). Although the topics under discussion (attended by both the Russian Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs) appear to be pedestrian in comparison with the Georgian withdrawal, they are concerned with basic administration. A number of the Ministers of its constituent countries did not even attend. The meeting was scheduled to sign an agreement regarding the exchange of meteorological information between its constituent armed forces.

Article ID: 2274