PORTOROZ, Slovenia, Sept 29, SPA -- NATO defense ministers held talks Friday with their Russian counterpart, Sergei Ivanov, the Associated Press reported. Moscow condemned last week's NATO decision to increase cooperation with Georgia as a throwback to Cold War days that hurts Russian interests and risks furtherdestabilizing the Caucasus region. Ivanov threatened tosend two divisions of Russian troops to the border withGeorgia to ensure «Russia's security won't be hurt ifGeorgia enters NATO.» On Thursday the already strained relations between Russia and Georgia hit a new low when Georgia detained five Russian officers on spying charges, prompting Moscow to recall its ambassador, announce an evacuation of itsdiplomats and complain to the United Nations. Georgiacharged four of the officers on Friday. The fifth officerwas released. Diplomats said an indignant Ivanov strongly expressedRussia's concerns at a reception with NATO ministersThursday night. Some Russian officials have complained theGeorgians were emboldened by NATO's decision to offer them the intensified cooperation program, which is considered a step toward possible membership of the alliance. NATO hopes the talks in this Slovene seaside resort willsoothe Russian unease over its relations with Georgia _which has made membership of the Western military pact aforeign policy priority. «This is a golden opportunity for NATO to explain what isits position,» Danish Defense Minister Soeren Gade toldreporters. «This should not be considered as a threattoward the Russians.»--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/393016