"The drills are supposed to be for the suppression of riots. I told the (U.S.) Secretary of State that this looks like provocation," Lavrov told a meeting in the Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament.
Moscow hoped those holding the exercises would bear in mind the fragile stability in Trans-Caucasian region, Lavrov said.
Meanwhile, he denied Moscow had urged anyone to recognize the independence of Georgia`s breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, saying Russia had only actively supported the regions in expanding their international contacts.
"We do not hold these talks. This is a business of our allies, Abkhazia and South Ossetia," Lavrov said, adding Russia would support its friends politically.
Moscow recognized the two regions` independence in August 2008 following a brief armed conflict with Georgia. In response, Georgia severed its diplomatic relations with Russia.
(H-AK)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
