Georgia-Russia tensions ramped up

by Dave Keating | April 30, 2008 at 02:32 am

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Abkhazia, a break-away region of the caucasus nation of George that is under Russian occupation, is at the center of a new dispute between the two countries. Since the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetiafought wars in the 1990's with Georgia, the country has been occupied by Russian troops under an agreement. There are around 2,000 Russians posted in Abkhazia, and about 1,000 in South Ossetia. The tensions come just a few weeks after Russia finally lifted sanctions against Georgia.

Moscow has accused Georgia of preparing to invade Abkhazia, and says it is boosting Russian forces there and in the South Ossetia region.

Georgia has reacted angrily to the Russian move, which its prime minister called "irresponsible".

The EU also urged caution, saying to increase troop numbers would be unwise given current tensions.

Russia's foreign minister said his country was not preparing for war but would "retaliate" against any attack.

Russia says Georgia is massing 1,500 soldiers and police in the upper Kodori Gorge, the only part of Abkhazia which remains under government control.