Lithuania in Russia customs row

Tension has risen between Lithuania and Russia over inspections of Lithuanian goods lorries, many of which are now stuck at Russian customs.

Lithuania accuses Russian customs officials of singling out Lithuanian lorries trying to enter Russia from neighbouring Latvia.

Reports say hundreds of Lithuanian lorries are stuck at the Latvia border.

Russian officials say the tighter inspections follow breaches of customs regulations by Lithuanian hauliers.

Both Latvia and Lithuania - former Soviet republics - are EU members.

Lithuania's transport ministry says the delays are causing daily losses of up to 500 euros (£429) per lorry.

The Russian ambassador to Lithuania, Vladimir Chkhikvadze, was summoned to the Lithuanian foreign ministry on Tuesday to give an explanation.

Lithuanian customs officials say Russia has reported only 16 cases of customs violations by Lithuanian hauliers this year - a tiny fraction of the freight deliveries from Lithuania to Russia.

Russia's Itar-Tass news agency says Lithuania plans to appeal to the European Commission for help.

"The European Commission is entitled to defend the interests of all members," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Vygaudas Usackas.