URGENT: Russia scales down plans for troops in Abkazhia, S.Ossetia

MOSCOW, May 19 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will deploy fewer personnel at military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia than previously planned, a first deputy defense minister said on Tuesday.

"We have no reason to deploy all personnel at military bases in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Part of the contingent could be deployed in Russia [close to the border]," Col. Gen. Alexander Kolmakov said.

Moscow previously said it would deploy 3,700 troops at each of its bases in the two Caucasus republics recognized by Russia last year as independent states.