On 22 September 2011, the State Duma of the Russian Federation passed two laws: 'On the ratification of the so-called "Agreement on the establishment of an integrated Russian military base on the territory of the so-called Republic of Abkhazia"' (between the Russian Federation and the occupation regime it has created in Abkhazia) and 'On the ratification of the so-called "Agreement on the establishment of an integrated Russian military base on the territory of the so-called "Republic of South Ossetia"' (between the Russian Federation and the occupation regime it has created in the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia).

By having its legislative body formally approve such illegal and irresponsible actions, the Russian Federation is attempting to legitimize the establishment of Russian military bases on the sovereign territory of Georgia (without the Georgian government's consent) and is continuing its rapid militarization of Georgia's occupied territories in breach of the provisions of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). The aforesaid is further proof that Russia - by illegally suspending its observance of the provisions of the CFE Treaty - has created the preconditions for the uncontrolled expansion of its own military forces within the Treaty's area of application.

These extremely dangerous steps Russia has taken - in breach of its international obligations and of universally recognised norms and principles of international law - are not only a serious threat to peace and stability in the Caucasus, Black Sea and Caspian regions, but also one to peace and stability in Europe as a whole.

Georgia condemns Russia's actions, and calls upon the international community to influence the Russian Federation and to compel it to respect its international obligations and to immediately begin to withdraw its forces from Georgian territory.