Abkhazia says it won't host Russia's Black Sea fleet

Abkhazia says it is not going to host Russia's Black Sea fleet, which is currently based in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

Outgoing Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko declared in 2008 that Kiev would not renew the lease of its Sevastopol Black Sea base beyond 2017, compelling Moscow to find a new base for its fleet.

"You probably heard an interview with Ukraine's president-elect [Viktor] Yanukovych. The treaty might be reviewed after 2017," Abkhazian leader Sergei Bagapsh was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

Ukraine agreed in 1997 to let Russia use some of its naval facilities, including the main base in Sevastopol, until 2017.

With the eastward expansion of NATO, which Russia views as encroachment into its sphere of influence, Moscow is considering plans to sign defense pacts with its neighbors.

NATO has criticized Moscow for signing a deal with Abkhazia for the construction of a military base in the Black Sea enclave.

Although Abkhazia has been de facto independent since 1993, Georgia still claims sovereignty over the region.

Abkhazia is only recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru, and the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Transdniestria.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=118929§ionid=351020406.