Russia's Black Sea Fleet must prepare for its withdrawal from
the Ukrainian territory from now on, Ukrainian Defense Minister
Anatoly Gritsenko said on Tuesday.
Work must begin now on a concrete plan for withdrawing the
Russian fleet in accordance with the time frame agreed on by
Ukraine and Russia, the minister said.
According to a 1997 accord, Russia's Black Sea Fleet can remain
in Ukraine until 2017, and during that period, Ukraine will provide
all necessary conditions for the Russian troops to fulfill their
duty, he said.
The two sides will continue consultations over Russia's Black
Sea Fleet in Ukraine, Gritsenko added.
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After years of bitter argument, Russia and Ukraine signed an
agreement in 1997 on the division of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet
that allowed the Russian Navy to remain in the Crimean port of
Sevastopol until 2017 for an annual rent of US$93 million.
(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2006)
