JOINT HEADQUARTERS SOUTHEAST Izmir, Turkey News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DM-01

May 18, 2000

For Immediate Release

CONTACT LTC Akben or MAJ Shappell

NATO EXERCISE IN TURKISH THRACE

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Joint Command Southeast, commanded by Gen. Tamer Akba?, will conduct an exercise in Turkish Thrace from May 26 to June 2, 2000. Lt. Gen. Y?ld?r?m Türker, commander of the Turkish 5^th Corps, will be the exercise director.   

The exercise, to be conducted in and around Çorlu, Turkey, is part of NATO Allied Forces Southern Europe’s exercise Dynamic Mix 2000, which will include forces from 14 NATO nations.  Dynamic Mix 2000 will be the largest NATO exercise conducted in the southern region this year, showing a full range of NATO’s capabilities.  It will include almost 15,000 troops, 65 ships and 290 aircraft.  Exercise activities will take place in Turkey, Greece and Italy.

The Turkish Thrace portion of the exercise is based upon a humanitarian assistance scenario.  Over 650 troops from the Turkish 5^th Corps will participate in this portion of the exercise.  Additionally, the Turkish 5^th Corps will provide Joint Command Southeast logistical support for the exercise.

Joint Command Southeast will conduct a media day on May 27, 2000.  Media day events will include a press conference given jointly by the JCSE exercise director  and the chief of staff of the Turkish 5^th Corps,  a tour of the exercise facilities in Çorlu, and a live exercise at the K?rklareli refugee camp.  Bus transportation for media will be provided to and from the ?stanbul Harbiye Orduevi, and will depart the Orduevi at 8:30 a.m.   As space is limited, media are requested to sign-up with the Joint Command Southeast Public Information Office as soon as possible.

More information about the exercise as well as other activities of the command may be obtained at the command’s website (nato.org.tr).