Turkey To Undertake Leadership Of Ground Element Of Force Till 2004 Summer

ANKARA - NATO Response Force will begin to function on Wednesday.
General Staff General Secretariat issued a written statement and said NATO Response Force would be comprised of ground, maritime, air and special forces that would be able to interfere crises that may erupt in various regions of the world.
The statement said Turkey, starting as of Wednesday, would undertake leadership of Ground Element of NATO Response Force in foundation stage that would continue till 2004 summer. A Turkish general will carry out the command of NATO Brigade that would be set up in this respect.
In case of any need, Turkish general will command unit and headquarters personnel of Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway and Spain.
Training and military exercises would be carried out within this period aiming to increase cooperation.
(AY) 14.10.2003