Media freedom groups have accused Moscow of trying to muzzle independent coverage of the Chechen conflict.

On a separate matter, the United States accused Moscow of violating the Afghan accords.

But other Administration officials argued that there was no basis for accusing Moscow of a violation and that to do so could open Washington to countercharges.

South Africa and the Soviet Union broke relations in 1956, after Pretoria accused Moscow of espionage.

The episode initially caused a political furor in the United States and Russia, as Washington accused Moscow of possible cheating.

Saakashvili has accused Moscow of sabotage for political gain.

But Pakistani officials accuse Moscow of shifting position itself, abandoning an earlier understanding to try to work out a political solution as part of its withdrawal.

Marina Litvinenko, widow of the deceased, accused Moscow of orchestrating the murder.

He accused Moscow of "playing a bit of an obstructionist role" and of "seeking to exploit a target of opportunity" by getting closer to Iran.

They also accused Moscow of escalating tensions in the region, said Rossiiskaya Gazeta.