The move follows a serious souring of the relationship between the two countries following the arrest and detention of four Russians over spy charges on Wednesday.

A Georgian court also extended the detention of 10 Georgian citizens accused of involvement in the alleged Russian spy ring.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to refrain from travelling to Georgia, citing security concerns, and its embassy has stopped issuing visas to Georgians.

On Saturday, Russia also announced it was suspending plans to complete its withdrawal of troops and two bases from Georgia by 2008.

Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili said the suspension meant nothing and claimed to be unconcerned.

"This process will go ahead according to the originally agreed timeframe. By the end of 2007, there will be no heavy Russian artillery in Batumi and, by 2008, the Russian military base in Batumi will be closed. Nothing will stop this process."