(Big News Network.com)–NATO has launched massive exercises with former Soviet republics in the Baltic states.
The joint international military exercises called Rescuer/Medcuer-2004–have begun in Latvia–Lithuania–and Estonia–under the NATO Partnership for Peace Program.
Forces from the former Soviet republics of Armenia–Georgia–Ukraine–Estonia–Latvia and Lithuania are participating in the exercises–along with troops from the former Soviet satellite nations of Bulgaria–Poland–Croatia and Romania alongside US forces–reported the Ukrainian Defense Ministry press service.
The servicemen will train on cleaning up the aftermath of natural disasters–and preventing terrorist acts in the Baltic states–according to Interfax. They are also developing cooperation between military and civilian agencies in the prevention of human and natural disasters.
The drill script includes providing medical and humanitarian aid to large groups of people–deploying a peacekeeping force–and setting up sea-based and coastal hospitals.
Divers will train on exposing terrorist groups and de-mining sea areas and hydro-technical facilities.
The exercises will conclude on July 30.