Russia, Abkhazia in talks over naval base

MOSCOW, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Russia and Abkhazia are in talks that could lead to a permanent Russian naval presence in the disputed Georgian republic, an official said Thursday.

RIA Novosti reported that Communist Party lawmaker and former Black Sea Fleet Commander Vladimir Komoyedov said Russia was considering opening a base in the Georgian seaside town of Ochamchira.

"This (Ochamchira) is a very comfortable place for basing naval forces. We have spoken about it on many occasions and if Russia makes a relevant decision we will be definitely interested in it. The talks on the issue are under way," Abkhazian Foreign Minister Sergei Shamba was quoted by the Russian news service as saying.

Currently, Russia's Black Sea Fleet uses naval facilities in Ukraine's Crimea as part of a 1997 agreement in which Ukraine agreed to lease the bases to Russia until 2017.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko announced in the summer that Ukraine would not extend the lease beyond 2017. He urged Russian military officials to start preparations for a withdrawal.