The Russian Ambassador to the de-facto Republic of Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin, stated that Russia will continue to strengthen the functioning of the military base in [separatist] Abkhazia but will not establish a new one. The Ambassador stated, "We proceed from the concept that the security of the republic is fully guaranteed by the forces of the 7th joint Russian military base and the border control of the FSB (Federal Security Service) of Russia in the Republic of Abkhazia."
The Ambassador emphasised, "At the same time, it must be recognised that both of these structures are undergoing continuous improvement, and that their operation necessitates the modernization of the organisational framework for their presence on the territory of the republic." In this regard, according to Shurgalin, the development of a new military base is not envisaged, but modifications to the existing functionality are possible. The Ambassador used the Sokhumi and Sukhumsky military sanatoriums as an illustration, explaining that they are part of the 7th joint Russian military post but are operated by private businessmen, restaurateurs, and other merchants who have nothing to do with the Russian military base.
