International naval exercises launched in Estonia

The first stage of the Amber Sea-2002 international exercises is due to start in Estonia on Wednesday, according to a RIA Novosti correspondent.

The General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces said that the Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON), a group of navy divers and defence units of Tallinn's naval base would take part in the exercises.

The exercises will be held in Tallinn-Paldiski area. The main goal of Amber Sea-2000 is to develop techniques of interaction between the navies of the Baltic countries and to test the capabilities of ships and land units of the Baltic states to provide for security of sea navigation. The exercises are headed by Estonian naval officers.

The second stage of the Amber Sea-2002 international exercises will start on October 4th. It envisages the search of mines and other explosive objects of the two world wars in the Paldiski Bay. The exercises will be joined by staff officers of Lithuania, Latvia and the US. Amber Sea-2002 will last till October 12.