Russia: December 15, 2002

Archives

  Georgia is demanding $700 million in back rent for four Russian bases in Georgia and if payment is not made soon, wants Russian troops out of the country within six months. In 1999, Russia agreed to get out by July 1, 2001, but is still occupying two of the bases. Russia wants to keep the bases for another eleven years, while Georgia is only willing to let them stay for three. Meanwhile, Russia still threatens to invade northern Georgia to take control of areas used by Chechen rebels and criminal gangs. The Chechens are increasingly using kidnapping to raise money, using hideouts in northern Georgia. It is thought that Georgian police are cooperating in the kidnapping racket, which is beginning to scare off foreign investment as the kidnappers are taking foreigners as well. 

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close