Russia steps up economic pressure on Georgia

By Ausseigirl

In lieu of empire, Putin throws his weight around and intimidates his neighbors. Once a bully, always a bully. It's part of the national Russian character.

Russia steps up economic pressure on Georgia - Print Version - International Herald Tribune

Tensions between Russia and Georgia worsened significantly Tuesday. Russian officials said that the sanctions Moscow has imposed on Georgia would remain indefinitely, even though Georgia has already released the four Russian military officers it arrested last week.

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said that the sanctions- the suspension of cross-border transportation links and postal service, which was announced Monday and took effect Tuesday - are meant to cut off what he said were illegal transfers of cash from the sizable Georgian diaspora in Russia, which he said were financing the buildup of Georgia's military.

The arrest of the four Russian officers last week on espionage charges touched off a new round of furious accusations between the two countries, whose relations have been tense for years. The four officers were released Monday.