Russia to site military base in Abkhazia

Russia is to base an elite platoon of troops in the breakaway Georgian enclave of Abkhazia, Russian state television reported Wednesday.

The move comes just 18 months after the two countries went to war over the status of Abkhazia, and the other breakaway republic of South Ossetia, DPA reported.

The base will house 1,700 elite soldiers, heavy artillery and a missile defence system, and be there for a minimum of 49 years.

The deal was signed in Moscow between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Abkhazia's President Sergei Bagapsh.

A similar deal has already been signed between Russia and South Ossetia.

Russia has recognized the independence of both breakaway regions, which Georgia claims as sovereign territory.

Russia claims it invaded Georgia in August 2008 to protect both enclaves, whilst Tbilisi, backed by NATO, strongly criticized the attack.