Georgia has warned it will take action if Russia makes any move to bolster the independence claims of two breakaway Georgian regions during ceremonies at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

PM Irakli Garibashvili said he hoped there would be no official welcome for the "so-called Abkhazian and South Ossetian authorities.” reports BBC.

Tbilisi already expressed deep concern about Russia's decision last month to expand its Olympic security zone into Abkhazia, which is less than 40 km (25 miles) along the Black Sea coast from Sochi.

"It was a tough decision not to boycott the Games in the first place," Mr Garibashvili said during an interview on a visit to Brussels, where he has been meeting EU and Nato leaders.

"But if there are any surprises we will of course react adequately," he warned.

There have been demonstrations in the Georgian capital Tbilisi calling for a boycott of the Games, but the prime minister said he was trying to take a constructive approach.

"We offered to co-operate with Russia on security as well," he said. "I don't want to believe there will be any surprises, but this conflict issue remains the biggest concern."

If the leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are given prominence at Sochi, domestic pressure to withdraw Georgia's small Olympic team will intensify.

Mr Garibashvili refused to be drawn on how exactly he would respond, but the option of withdrawal clearly remains open.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov argued recently that the problems between the two countries stem from Georgia's refusal to recognize realities on the ground.

"The reality is that there is only one country on our territory," Mr Garibashvili argued. "And this is Georgia."