Russia suspends troop pull-out from Georgia bases

MOSCOW, Sep 30 (Reuters) Russia has temporarily suspended a pull-out of its troops from two Russian bases in Georgia until the security situation has returned to normal, a defence ministry spokesman said today.

''The pull-out has been suspended,'' the spokesman said, referring to the phased withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia under bilateral agreement.

This was because the security of troops could not be fully guaranteed as they crossed Georgian territory, he said, referring to the spying row in which Georgia arrested four Russian army officers.

REUTERS SHB KN1557