Russian President Dmitri Medvedev signs federal laws ratifying agreements with Abkhazeti, so-called South Ossetia on Russian military bases in their territory

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has signed the federal laws ratifying the agreements with Abkhazeti and so-called South Ossetia on the Russian military bases in their territory, Itar-Tass says. The documents set the timeframe for the stay of Russian bases in Abkhazeti and so-called South Ossetia at 49 years, with the possibility of automatic prolongation every 15 years.

They set the procedure for the functioning of the united Russian military bases to protect the sovereignty and security of the Russian Federation, the republics of Abkhazeti and South Ossetia, the flights of Russian aircraft, warships and auxiliary vessels, and ground transport. The agreements also set the procedures for using means of communication and border crossing.

They spell out the procedure for use of immovable property, including land plots, designate the status of military bases' personnel and members of servicemen’s families and civilians.

Specifically, Russian servicemen and their families will enjoy privileges and immunity envisioned for administrative and technical personnel of diplomatic missions.

Abkhazeti and so-called South Ossetia are expected to pass to Russia the immovable property in the areas which will accommodate the bases.

The de-facto parliaments of Abkhazeti and South Ossetia have already ratified these agreements.