Moscow, May 14, SPA -- Russia will sign a deal to openmilitary bases in the Moscow-backed rebel region of Abkhaziawithin the next two weeks, the region's separatist leader wasquoted as saying today, according to Reuters. "It (the agreement) is already ready. I think it will besigned in a couple of weeks," Abkhazia's self-styled PresidentSergei Bagapsh was quoted as saying by Russian news agenciesafter meeting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in nearby Sochi. "The land has been set aside ... the work has alreadystarted there. We are only waiting for the agreement to besigned between the republic (of Abkhazia) and the RussianDefence Ministry," RIA news agency quoted Bagapsh as saying. Russia recognised Abkhazia and another rebel region, SouthOssetia, as independent states last year after a war withGeorgia, though most of the world considers the provinces partsof Georgia. Abkhaz officials have said Russia will open a naval base inOchamchire -- known as Ochamchira by Abkhaz separatists -- and aformer airborne troops base in the town of Gudauta.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/664357