Russia calls US-Georgia drills 'provocation'

Πηγή: Chinadaily
By Xinhua
March 14 2012

MOSCOW - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has described joint US-Georgia drills whichstarted Wednesday as "provocation".

"The drills are supposed to be for the suppression of riots. I told the (US) Secretary of Statethat this looks like provocation," Lavrov told a meeting in the Russian State Duma, the lowerhouse of parliament.

Moscow hoped those holding the exercises would bear in mind the fragile stability in Trans-Caucasian region, Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, he denied Moscow had urged anyone to recognize the independence of Georgia'sbreakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, saying Russia had only actively supportedthe regions in expanding their international contacts.

"We do not hold these talks. This is a business of our allies, Abkhazia and South Ossetia,"Lavrov said, adding Russia would support its friends politically.

Moscow recognized the two regions' independence in August 2008 following a brief armedconflict with Georgia. In response, Georgia severed its diplomatic relations with Russia.