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Latvia Pullout Agreed

After two years of often tough talks, Russian and Latvian officials cleared the way Tuesday for the withdrawal of all Russian troops from the Baltic country.


Russia agreed to pull out its remaining 12,000 troops in Latvia by Aug. 31, while Latvia said Russia could keep its radar station at Skrunda for four more years and guaranteed the rights of retired Russian officers living in Latvia.


Sergei Zotov, head of the Russian delegation, said the agreement could be signed as early as April.


Russia and Latvia, however, have yet to agree on how much rent Moscow should pay to use the base. Russia has agreed to pay $2 million a year. Latvia is asking for much more.


Latvia agreed to let retired Russian military officers living in Latvia remain and acquire citizenship.


The issue of retired Russian officers remains a major stumbling block at Russia's talks with Estonia on withdrawal of 3,000 Russian troops remaining there. The Estonian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday another round of Russian-Estonian negotiations will be held in April.

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