Controversial NATO exercises begin in Georgia

There is rising tension between Russia and NATO.

The alliance has begun military exercises in the former Soviet state of Georgia, a move that Moscow slams as a threat to regional stability. The exercises come just a day after Georgia put down a brief mutiny at one of its military bases. Georgia accuses Russia of being involved; Moscow rejects the claim as insane. The new tension comes nine months after a war between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. Russia’s foreign minister was asked by euronews to comment on the reports of the mutiny. Sergei Lavrov said: “This only proves that we were 100% right when we warned those taking part in the war games not to do so, because it leads to a sharp rise in tension.” In further signs of worsening relations, Moscow has expelled two Canadian NATO diplomats. Moscow says the move comes after NATO expelled two Russian diplomats.

Copyright © 2010 euronews