Last in 2006 train from Russian base leaves Georgia

The train will bring to Russia three tanks, one field laboratory, 380 tonnes of ammunition and 11 anti-aircraft mounts ZU-23, a representative of the command of the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki told Itar-Tass.

Under the agreements the local law enforcement agencies ensure security of the trip in Georgia, and the local authorities – in Azerbaijan.

Representatives of the command of the Russian troops in the Transcaucasia, law enforcement agencies in Georgia and Azerbaijan took part in the farewell ceremony of the last train in 2006 from the railway station of Tsalka.

The first train with military hardware and weapons from the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki was dispatched to Russia on May 15. Army convoys gradually delivered some military hardware and weapons from the Russian base in Akhalkalaki to another Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia, from May 18 till August 17, 2006. "Military hardware and weapons from the base in Akhalkalaki were withdrawn as scheduled this year, the greater part of military hardware and weapons were withdrawn," a source in the Russian troops in the Transcaucasia said.

Wheeled vehicles and the remaining property should be withdrawn from Akhalkalaki next year. The base will be closed by October 1, 2007. The withdrawal of military hardware and weapons from the Russian military base in Batumi will continue in 2007.

/Itar-Tass/