ITAR-TASS, Russia
July 10 2008

US, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Ukraine start war games near Tbilisi

10.07.2008, 09.08

WASHINGTON, July 10 (Itar-Tass) – A joint exercise of troops from the
US, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine started in a Tbilisi
suburb, announced the European command of the US armed forces,
headquartered in Stuttgart.

According to a press release, circulated on Wednesday, the war games
under the code-name of `Immediate response 2008′ are conducted since
July 5 at the Vaziani military base (located less than 100 kilometres
from the Russian border) in the spirit of the NATO programme
Partnership for Peace.

They involve 1,000 American paratroopers and marines and the same
number of troops from the Georgian army as well as servicemen from
Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine.

The aim of the war games is to improve compatibility of military
structures of NATO member countries and their partners as well as to
promote mutual understanding and cooperation between US armed forces
and their allies.

The European command found it expedient to stress that Georgia renders
constant support to coalition forces in operations, conducted in
global and regional wars against terrorism. The press releases notes
that Georgia’ s geographic location helps other allies and partners in
the region to see advantages of cooperation with the US.