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Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20070807/FOREIGN/108070059/1003
Russian Navy Covets Mediterranean Sea
[Washington Times] David R. Sands - With Moscow's coffers replenished by the global oil boom, Adm. Vladimir Masorin, Russia's naval commander, has announced ambitious plans to expand the country's primary Black Sea base and establish a "permanent presence" in the eastern Mediterranean for the first time since the Cold War. "The Mediterranean is very important strategically for the Black Sea Fleet," the admiral told reporters Friday on a visit to the Russian base at Sevastopol. "I propose that, with the involvement of the Northern and Baltic fleets, the Russian navy should restore its permanent presence there," the admiral said. The rebuilding of the Russian navy has been a pet project of Russian President Vladimir Putin and reflects the Kremlin's growing confidence and willingness to project power. The admiral's comments have fueled speculation that Russia is considering the creation of a permanent, full-service naval base in the Syrian town of Tartus, on the Mediterranean. Russian engineers have been involved in dredging the waters around both Tartus and Latakia, a second Syrian town.