IMS Press Release   17 Nov. 2003

Exercise Cooperative Associate A1-2 2003 Initial Press Release NATO and Partner Nations conduct a Partnership for Peace Command Post exercise in Bulgaria NATO and Partner Nations will conduct a Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercise called COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATE A1-2 (CAS A1-2) at the R akovski Defense and Staff College in Sofia, Bulgaria from 16 to 26 November 2003. Personnel from four NATO nations: Hungary, Spain, Turkey and the United States of America, five Partner Invitee nations: Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and seven Partner nations: Austria, Azerbaijan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), Georgia, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Ukraine will participate in this exercise. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations High Commissioner's Office for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Civilian Police (CIVPOL) will also participate. CAS A1-2 aims to enhance military interoperability for peace support operations and humanitarian assistance operations. Commanders and staffs of NATO andPartner nations will form a multinational brigade headquarters to achieve the exercise aim and will be trained in the procedures required to conduct operations at multinational brigade level. The exercise is scheduled by A dmiral Gregory G. Johnson, Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe. The officer conducting the exercise is Lieutenant General Iñigo Pérez Navarro, Commander Joint Command South West. Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, Joint Command South, Joint Command South East and Joint Command South Centre are supporting commands. Note for the editor: A press information center (PIC) will be operational in R akovski Defense and Staff College, S ofia, Bulgaria from 15 Nov 2003. Questions prior to the establishment of the PIC should be addressed to JHQ SOUTHWEST Public Information Office. Tel. + 34 91 512 64 23. Fax. + 34 91 512 64 57. E-mail. Dospio@jcsw.nato.int. Media opportunities Interested journalists have to be accredited by bona fide media organizations (press ID or accreditation letter). The PIC will register media representatives, and escort them during the media tours. Media opportunities listed below are open to all registered journalists. Due to limited number of posts for every event, the PIC cannot guarantee attendance by every interested journalist. 19 November - opening ceremony (press conference and photo opportunity) 25 November distinguished visitor's day ( media coverage ) 26 November - closing ceremony (photo opportunity) Remarks: a daily updated list of events will be available at the PIC. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.