Tensions rise between Russia and Georgia

The US has objected to a proposed Russian statement expressing grave concern at Georgia’s recent provocative actions, including the arrest of four Russian officers for alleged spying and deploying troops in part of the breakaway province of Abkhazia.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin had hoped the UN Security Council would adopt the statement quickly, but US Ambassador John Bolton told reporters that Washington had “a number of difficulties with the draft”.