Russian Garrison Leaving Tbilisi Ahead of Schedule

PanARMENIAN.Net - The withdrawal of the military equipment and property of the Tbilisi garrison of the Group of Russian Troops in Transcaucasus (GRVZ) was launched on Thursday. The garrison leaves Tbilisi ahead of schedule by decision of the Russian Ministry of Defense. "Today the first railway echelon with military equipment and property of the Tbilisi garrison headed for Armenia to the military base in Gyumri," the GRVZ headquarters said. The next echelon will be sent November 23 to Russia via Azerbaijan. Till the end of the current year 4 echelons with the GRVZ military equipment and property will be sent to Russia and Armenia. In all 387 servicemen, some 100 elements of equipment and some 350 tons of property and ammunition will be withdrawn.



The headquarters informed that the schedule was coordinated with the Georgian side which is ensuring the security of the measure. A number of GRVZ officers will form a group to stay in Georgia and control the withdrawal process. In compliance with the agreement the Russian base in Akhalkalaki should be closed till October 1, 2007 while the base in Batumi till October 1, 2008, reports RIA Novosti.