Russia has ordered a crackdown on Georgian-owned businesses and tighter visa measures as part of the nations' escalating diplomatic dispute.

hmm developing situation

As his governing party faced nationwide local elections on Thursday, he insisted that he [ Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili ] would keep Georgia on the pro-Western path he has followed since he came to power following a revolution in 2003.

Correspondents say President Putin is alarmed by Georgia's closer links with the West, and that he is determined to prevent it joining Nato.