NATO starts large-scale security drills in Baltic regionJune 3, 2013 - 11:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO countries start on Monday, June 3 large-scale security cooperation exercises on the territory of the former Soviet republics in the Baltic region, the Estonian military said, according to RIA Novosti. The U.S.-led Saber Strike 2013 drills involve some 2,000 personnel from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United States, Norway, Poland and the UK, as well as troops from Finland, which is not a NATO country. This year’s exercise will be conducted in all three Baltic States: in Lithuania - General Adolfas Ramanauskas combat training center located in Nemencine and Pabrade training area, Latvia – at the Adazi training area and in Estonia - at Amari air base and cities of Tapa and Tartu. The program of the drills, which will continue through June 14, comprises a brigade-level command post exercise and computer assisted exercise, as well as company-level field and situational training exercises. "Latvia will host the practical part of the exercises," Lt. Col. Tiit Paljak, the Estonian official tasked with planning the exercise, said earlier. According to U.S. Army Europe officials, Saber Strike exercise “aims to improve joint and combined interoperability between the U.S. Army and partner nations, and also help prepare participants to successfully operate in a joint, multinational, interagency, integrated environment.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |