Medvedev okays deal on Russian military base in South Ossetia

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday ordered the Defense Ministry to hold discussions with South Ossetia on the signing of a deal on a Russian military base in the South Caucasus republic, RIA Novosti reported.

A similar agreement was signed in Moscow on February 17 with Abkhazia during a Kremlin visit by the republic’s president, Sergei Bagapsh. The agreement with Abkhazia specifies that the base will "protect Abkhazia's sovereignty and security, including against international terrorist groups".

The deal with Abkhazia was concluded for 49 years with the option of a 15-year extension. NATO refused to recognize the legality of the agreement.

09.03.2010