34 countries take part in allied action 2003 manoeuvre

ISTANBUL (AA) – The opening ceremony of Allied Action 2003 manoeuvre which is hosted by Turkey and which will be simulated in computer, took place in Simulation and Culture Centre of War Academies Command on Sunday.

Addressing the opening meeting, Third Army Corps Commander Gen. Koksal Karabay said that the experience to be gained from Allied Action 2003 manoeuvre would be very important for development of NATO. Noting that the manoeuvre was important for developing the concept of joint mission force and training of personnel at NATO joint mission force headquarters, Gen. Karabay said that totally 2000 persons from 34 countries (17 NATO and 17 Partnership for Peace countries) joined the manoeuvre.

British Gen. Cedric Delves, the deputy Commander of Northern Europe Ally Forces stressed the importance of the manoeuvre in respect of NATO’s future, adding that mutual cooperation and understanding would consolidate peace and security in the world.

The manoeuvre’s part in the land will be simulated in computer, while its sea part will be commanded by Castilla ship of Spanish Naval Forces which cast anchor in Istanbul dock and its part in the air will be commanded by German Joint United Forces Command headquarters. The only active part of the manoeuvre will take place in western Izmir province.

The operation will end on November 18.