OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF EXERCISES COOPERATIVE LONGBOW 08 AND COOPERATIVE LANCER 08 IN ARMENIA

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29.0 9.08

Yerevan, Armenia – Earlier today, an official opening ceremony held
by Armenia, NATO and Partnership for Peace Nations officially launched
two exercises called Cooperative Longbow 08 and Cooperative Lancer 08
(CO LW / CO LR 08) in Yerevan, Armenia.

Approximately 1,000 military personnel from Canada, Greece, Hungary,
Lithuania, Poland the United Kingdom, the United States of America,
Albania, Armenia (as the host nation), Austria, Bosnia Herzegovina,
the Czech Republic, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia1,
Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates will take
part in the two exercises from September 26 – October 20, 2008.

"The exercises are hosted by the Republic of Armenia, as a full member
of the international community, and driven by our readiness to fulfill
our commitments to ensure international security," said Mr. Ohanyan,
Minister of Defence of the Republic.

"This COOPERATIVE exercise provides Alliance and Partner Nations
with the opportunity to build relationships, share experiences and
techniques, and enhance the professionalism of all our forces," said
Lieutenant General John Gardner, Deputy-Commander Land Component
Command, Heidleberg during the opening ceremony. "Multinational
operations are20challenging by their very nature, and the experience
and lessons learned here will enhance the effectiveness of all of
our armies and armed forces."

NATO’s Partnership for Peace exercises are a vital tool in developing
and enhancing the ability of diverse international forces to work
together effectively during NATO-led multinational peace support
operations and crisis response operations.

The exercise is designed to allow participating nations to work more
effectively and to better prepare for the challenging global security
environment.