Moldavian army to participate in exercises within framework of "partnership for peace" program

In 2003 the Moldavian Army will participate in 11 multinational military exercises within the framework of the NATO program "Partnership for Peace".

The exercises will be held in accordance with the cooperation agreements, which were reached with the armies of the other countries, Moldavian Defense Minister, Brigadier-General Viktor Gaichuk disclosed on Saturday.

Among the planned military exercises, the Minister outlined the traditional Russo-Moldavian peacekeeping exercises "Blue Shield", which will be held this year on the territory of Russia.

This year, on the territory of Moldavia, there will for the first time be held Moldavian-Ukrainian peacekeeping exercises, Gaichuk stressed.

Last year 13 peacekeeping exercises of the commanding staff in cooperation with Russia and the USA were held in Moldavia, the General said.