All Russian servicemen to withdraw from Tbilisi garrison by Dec 25

A total of 97 units of equipment and 353 tonnes of property and ammunition will be withdrawn from the premises of the Tbilisi garrison, Baranov said, adding that the number of withdrawing personnel slightly exceeds 350.

Two freight trains with garrison property will be evacuated to Russia, and another two - to the Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia, through Azerbaijan.

Georgia has not hampered the pullout efforts so far, according to the commander.

Baranov also said no reservist from among the troops withdrawing from Georgia will be left without an apartment. The issue is as good as settled, he added.

Earlier, he stated that many servicemen from the units which Russia is withdrawing from Georgia, have opted for continuing service in the North Caucasus, Moscow and Volga-Ural military districts.

But part of the military have to be discharged from the armed forces as the term of their service has expired. "For those who are to be transferred to reserve and who will live in Russia, 80 housing certificates have been allocated, and 56 apartments purchased in the territory of the Southern Federal District. No serviceman will be transferred to reserve until he's been given an apartment," the commander underlined. Itar-Tass