Russia's Lavrov says no quick end to Georgia ban

TBILISI, Oct 3 (Reuters) Russia today rejected calls from the European Union to lift economic sanctions on Georgia, saying it had cut transport links to curb a dangerous military build-up by its pro-Western neighbour.

In unusually strident remarks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also took a swipe at the United States, saying its support for Georgia had ''stimulated'' Tbilisi into taking unfriendly steps against Russia.

Russia cut rail, air and postal links with ex-Soviet Georgia in response to the arrest of four Russian soldiers on spying charges.

Tbilisi released the four yesterday in what it termed a goodwill gesture.

But Moscow made clear the spying row was just part of what it sees as a deeper dispute with Georgia, which has irked Moscow by aggressively pursuing membership of NATO and the European Union and pulling out of Russia's orbit.

Asked at a Moscow news conference if the sanctions might soon be lifted, Lavrov replied: ''Not for the time being.'' He said Georgia was channelling funds from organised crime in Russia into a slush fund to buy weapons in a massive military build-up.

The build-up was directed at the Georgian breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, said Lavrov. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has vowed to restore central control over the regions, which are backed by Moscow.

''Millions of dollars are passing from Russia to Georgia at a time when Georgia is engaged in huge military build-up.

''We can only draw one conclusion: they are preparing very actively to solve militarily the conflicts on their territory.'' Georgia says it is boosting military spending to reverse years of neglect and bring its armed forces up to NATO standards. It has ruled out military action against its breakaway regions.

MORE REUTERS SP BD2054