From correspondents in Moscow, Russia, 04:32 PM IST

Moscow is 'reconsidering' its cooperation with NATO, a high-ranking Russian diplomat told Interfax news agency Thursday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was quoted by the agency as saying any review of relations would 'of course affect the military cooperation program.'

The comments came in retaliation against NATO ministers' sharply critical evaluation of Russia's push and continued occupation of Georgian territory after fighting in its breakaway region of South Ossetia.

The Interfax report follows Wednesday's developments, when the Norwegian Defence Ministry said Russia had informed it of plans to 'freeze all military cooperation' with the alliance.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)