Moscow's military exercise plan worries Georgia

Later on, experts argued that Caucasus-2008 allowed Russia to successfully mobilize troops during the war with Georgia later in August.

Now, extensive military training operations, labeled Caucasus 2012, are scheduled for September this year. The focus of surveillance is on air defense and logistics.

Whatever the reason for maneuvers, authorities in Georgia see threat of another interference by Russia.

On the contrary, Russia’s top officials say it is hardy appropriate to kick up a fuss over Russia’s planned military exercise. Such command and staff training are held regularly and are not against any country.

Caucasus-2012 maneuvers will involve a full spectrum of Russia’s military capabilities and will be aimed at the development of modern military techniques with new automated control systems.

Many, however, consider that this is more about the ongoing stand-off between the West and the Russian Federation, especially a hard-line stance against attempts to expand Euro-Atlantic structures.

Planned shortly before the parliamentary elections in Georgia, these military operations cause concern of official Tbilisi.

Despite of assurance by the Russian side that military exercises do not create any threat to any country, government in Georgia insists - Caucasus 2012 drills are a massive replica of the maneuvers, which preceded Russia’s military aggression in August 2008.