Russia ratifies agreements on military bases Abkhazia, South Ossetia

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian parliament's upper house ratified agreements on Wednesday, September 28, concluded last year with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, under which Moscow will set up military bases in the breakaway republics.

The treaties allow Russia to operate military bases Abkhazia and South Ossetia for an initial term of 49 years, with possible extensions for an additional 15 years, Federation Council Defense Committee Chairman Viktor Ozerov said.

On September 22, the parliament's lower house, the State Duma, ratified the same agreement. Georgia's Foreign Ministry described the move as an unlawful and irresponsible legitimization of the Russian military presence in the separatist regions.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2008, following a five-day war with Georgia. The war began when Georgia attacked South Ossetia, where most residents are Russian passport holders. Russia's decision has been condemned by many nations. Georgia considers the two regions part of its sovereign territory.

Besides Russia, the republics' independence has also been recognized by Nicaragua and Venezuela, as well as the tiny Pacific nations of Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Tuesday Russia's readiness to act as a guarantor of non-use of force agreements between Georgia and its breakaway republics. Speaking during the 66th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, he said Russia was "determined to do everything possible" to avert another war in the Caucasus similar to the one that occurred in August 2008.

Russia earlier presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia and Abkhazia. The initiative was blocked by Western nations seeking a comprehensive peace deal that stipulated the return of Georgian refugees to Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reported.