MOSCOW. March 15 (Interfax-AVN) - The presence of Russian peacekeepers is a factor of stability in the breakaway republic of Abkhazia, Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh told a news conference at the Interfax main office on Tuesday.
He said the Russian peacekeepers' base in Gudauta might be used for setting up a Russian-Georgian anti-terror center. "Georgia and Russia are negotiating a plan to set up an anti-terror center. I think the Gudauta base might become such a center. There are ample conditions for this," said Bagapsh.
He also said that some people have been raising the issue of "replacing the peacekeepers stationed in Abkhazia with Ukrainian or NATO peacekeepers."
"We are not going to allow anyone in except Russian forces. Our position is clear. If the issue of replacing Russian peacekeepers with anyone else is raised, we ourselves will assume their place and positions. And this will involve tensions," said Bagapsh.