BRUSSELS, 7 April 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, has welcomed the agreement, signed last week, between Russia and Georgia on the temporary functioning and withdrawal of Russian military bases and other military facilities deployed in Georgia.

"This agreement marks significant progress in the talks between the Russian Federation and Georgia, and is a way forward in the establishment of good neighbourly relations between the two countries," said Minister De Gucht.

"It also contributes to enhanced confidence among the countries of the region," he added.

"The Chairmanship remains ready to promote OSCE assistance in support of the implementation of the agreement, should this be requested by the Russian and Georgian Governments."

Under the agreement, signed in Sochi on 31 March, Russia would complete the withdrawal of the military base in Akhalkalaki by 2007, and finalize the closure of the military base in Batumi by 2008. This would be guided by the Joint Statement of Russia and Georgia made on 17 November 1999 at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul.