Russia rattles sabres at Estonia

Russia's Defence Minister, Pavel Grachev, warned Estonia that Moscow, far from withdrawing its troops from the Baltic republic, could send in more if the rights of ethnic Russians there were violated, writes Helen Womack in Moscow.

'The withdrawal is closely linked to guarantees of normal life for the so-called Russian-speaking population,' General Grachev said. 'If talks stall, Russia will keep its 2,500 servicemen there. If the situation changes, it won't take long to send reinforcements.'