ROSTOV-ON-DON. Jan 16 (Interfax-South) - Servicemen of the North Caucasus Military District will prevent any attempts to seize Russian military bases in Georgia, Vladimir Boldyrev, commander of the North Caucasus Military District, told a news conference in Rostov-on-Don on Friday.
"I am stating firmly that we will prevent any attempts to seize our military warehouses and stockpiles. We will always protect servicemen and their family members who are currently in Georgia," Boldyrev said.
"We have seen and experienced a lot over the past ten years. We have also learned how to protect ourselves. We will undoubtedly be able to fight back," he said.
He ruled out unprepared withdrawal of Russian bases from Georgia. "Any rushed withdrawal, like it happened before, is out of the question. Though you see that tensions are rising," Boldyrev noted.
He stressed that the Defense Ministry's position regarding the Russian bases pullout was voiced by Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov during his recent visit to the Siberian military district. "We fully support and understand his statement. This is the direction of our actions," he said.
"We have absolutely solid positions, transparent and understandable plans. We understand the interests of our nation clearly," Boldyrev added.