The Federation Council has ratified deals on the construction of Russian military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia today. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev introduced the document for parliament to ratify it, RIA Novosti reports.
The documents determine the terms of use of the bases, land and real estate, status of servicemen and their members, Chairman of the committee of the Federation Council for defense and security, Victor Ozerov, said. Russian military bases will stay in the region for 49 years. The deal may be prolonged by 15 years.
The document also sets out rules for flights of Russian aircraft, land transport, border crossing, communication, services,and taxes.
Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008, after Georgian aggression against the latter. A deal was signed allowing Russia to have military bases in the breakaway republics. Abkhazia has the seventh military base of the Southern Military District and South Ossetia has the fourth base.
