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Moscow Tightens Grip on Abkhazia

February 22, 2010

On February 17, Russia signed a package of military and economic deals with Abkhazia on Wednesday that will tighten Moscow’s grip on Georgia’s breakaway region.

Georgia stated “occupant power and marionette regime illegally signed the agreements.’

Ministry of Defense of Russia signed agreement on construction of military base in Abkhazia which will enable Russian army to deploy in the region legally after their 5-day armed conflict with Georgia in August of 2008.

After the war, the Kremlin recognized independence of two secessionist regions of Georgia – Abkhazia and South Ossetia and it resulted into international critic.

After the war, Abkhazia and South Ossetia were in economic isolation on international level as well as in the view of security; they depend only on Russia now.

On February 17, at the ceremony of signing the agreements Russian president Dimitri Medvedev stated the agreement “is creation a fundament for Abkhazia to develop its independence on.” Abkhazian leader Sergei Baghapsh stated Russia is the “closest partner” for Abkhazia.

Economical agreement with Abkhazia enables Russian companies to control strategic transport infrastructures on the Black Seaside in this region.

Russian state intends to lease Abkhazian railway system to ensure connection between stone-mines, tourist resorts and south part of Russia. Other Russian companies start negotiations on port and airport in Sokhumi.

Kremlin stated Russia will modernize soviet military base in Gudauta and 1 700 soldiers will be deployed there. Russia signed agreements on the improvement of security in the Black Sea and communication with Abkhazia.

Russian Fleet reinforced control of Abkhazian coast in 2009 after Georgia arrested Turkish cargo-ship sailing to Sokhumi port.

Secretary of Security Council of Georgia Eka Tkeshelashvili stated that agreement “is a dangerous signal which demonstrates that Russia seriously intends to increase military force in Georgia and Black Sea Region.”

As it was expected, next month, Russia will sign agreement on the construction of military base with second secessionist region of Georgia – South Ossetia.

According to President Medvedev, Moscow will finally restore its relations with Tbilisi. However, it will not happen during the presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili in Georgia.

Sergei Baghapsh stated Saakashvili “has his hands dirty with blood” and he should be punished for military crimes he has committed.

FT.Com
Source:
http://foreignpress.ge/?p=11555

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