Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Grigory Karasin, told RIA Novosti news agency that more information about “this political farce” was required in order to make any comprehensive comment on the arrest of 13 individuals, including four Russian citizens, by Georgia on suspicion of espionage.

Meanwhile, Interfax news agency reported quoting unnamed official from the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying that Moscow was “very concerned” over the arrest of the Russian citizens.

“It is clear that the timing of the arrest, ahead of NATO-Russia Lisbon summit and OSCE Astana summit, aims at attracting attention [ahead of these international forums] and at harming Russia,” Interfax news agency reported quoting the Russian Foreign Ministry official.