Allied Action 2003 Manoeuvre

U.S. SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER ADMIRAL GIAMBASTIANI SAYS TURKEY HAS IMPORTANT PLACE AND CONTRIBUTION IN NATO'S CHANGING STRUCTURE

ISTANBUL - U.S. Supreme Allied Commander Admiral Edmund Giambastiani said on Sunday that Turkey had an important place and contribution in NATO's changing structure.
Admiral Giambastiani talked about ''Changing Structure of NATO and Turkey's Role'' at Ataturk War Game Simulation and Education Centre within the scope of Allied Action 2003 Manoeuvre.
Expressing his sorrow over the bomb attacks which took place in Istanbul, Giambastiani said that Turkey was a very active member of NATO and Turkey played an active role in Stability Force in Bosnia and Kosovo from the beginning.
Recalling that Turkish units continued to fulfill important missions in problematic regions of the Balkans, Giambastiani said that Turkey also assumed the responsibility of a leader country for land units of First and Second NATO Response Forces (NRF) from November 2003 to July 2004. Turkey also provided significant source for land and naval units of NRF 1 and 2, said Giambastiani, adding that Turkey was a wonderful host in Allied Action 2003 Manoeuvre.
Transformation of NATO was a strategic opportunity for the alliance, said Giambastiani, adding that the transformation would form a stronger alliance which would have the capacity to overcome the difficulties of the 21st century.
Admiral Giambastiani added that Turkey brought three important proposals namely ''Tactic Air Education Centre'' ''Partnership for Peace Training'' and ''Defense Centre Against Terrorism'' within the changing structure of NATO, adding that the transformation of NATO required a process.
(ÖŞ-AY) 17.11.2003