The Russian Parliament has passed two agreements on construction of Russian military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which would remain there for 49 years. Each document can be prolonged by 15 years, ITAR-TASS reports.
The head of the parliamentary committee for international affairs, Constantine Kosachev, said that the bases would protect Russia's sovereignty and security. Servicemen and their families at the bases will have benefits.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia will provide real estate for the bases within 6 months after signing the documents. Their parliaments are ratifying the deals. Kosachev emphasized that the bases are not aimed against other states.
Russia may send Mi-28H helicopters to the bases and Iskander-M missiles.
Russian base N4 in South Ossetia and base N7 in Abkhazia are part of the Southern Military District, they have T-90S tanks, Smerch volley fire systems, artillery, Tochka-U missiles and Buk and S-300 anti-missile complexes.
