Russian Warships Called at Tartus for Replenishment – Chief of General Staff

19.01.2012 Visit of Russian Navy's carrier group led by aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov to Syrian port Tartus was carried out with the view to replenish supplies, said General of the Army Nikolai Makarov on Jan 18 at the briefing after NATO-Russia Council.

"The question about Russian carrier group was asked many times today. I assure that scheduled call had no relation to the situation at the Middle East. The carrier group will soon leave the Mediterranean Sea", explained Makarov.

The general pointed out that the deployment to the Mediterranean is closing stage in Kuznetsov's preparations for intended use.

"Call at Tartus was held in order to replenish supplies and conduct planned maintenance, since that is the only Russian Navy's technical support base in the region", Makarov said.

"Except for Admiral Kuznetsov, the carrier group comprises eight warships and supply vessels", reminded the head of Russian General Staff.

"This cruise goes on routinely, crews and pilots improve skills and practice interaction between ships of different fleets".

"The Mediterranean deployment will be summarized upon return of ships to home bases", said Makarov.