NATO SHIPS WILL VISIT TUNIS, TUNISIA
NATO AFSOUTH Press Release {20}
11 09 03
NATO ships will visit Tunis, Tunisia, 12 - 15 September 2003 when six units from NATO's Mine Countermeasures Force South (MCMFORSOUTH) will be berthed at the port of La Goulette, Tunis. The visit will allow NATO to foster dialogue, co-operation and mutual understanding as part of the ongoing "Mediterranean Dialogue" Programme. The Commander of the Force, Commander Michael Mann, German Navy, will exchange calls with local civil and military authorities.
A programme of briefings and ship tours for Tunisian and local embassy officials has been arranged and will involve Tunisian Navy Officers, Defence Attaches accredited to Tunisia, Embassy staffs and local schools. A cultural programme will allow the crews to visit some of the highlights of the city of Tunis and the surrounding area.
MCMFORSOUTH was established as a NATO immediate reaction force in Naples (Italy) on 27 May 1999. Since its activation it has participated in NATO peace support operations Allied Force and Allied Harvest related to the crises in the former republic of Yugoslavia and more recently, Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's maritime contribution to the fight against global terrorism. The ships of the Force rotate every few months and its routine activities consist of an intensive programme of training and participation in both NATO and national exercises. In the last year, the force has visited ports in and out of the Mediterranean Sea, including Odessa (Ukraine).
Nations normally contributing to MCMFORSOUTH are Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, although the composition varies. During this visit the following ships will be present in Tunis:
FGS WERRA, Germany (Flagship)
FGS GROEMITZ, Germany
SPS TURIA, Spain
ITS MILAZZO. Italy
HS PLEIAS, Greece
TCG ERDEMLI, Turkey
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
