Military exercise ‘Adriatic Eagle 2008’ begins

SKOPJE, Sep 22 – Macedonia, Albania and Croatia (A3 member-states) last week launched the military exercise codenamed “Adriatic Eagle” in Skopje-based army barracks “Ilinden”.
The exercise, which will last till Sept. 29, will be held by over 100 members of special units from Adriatic Group countries.
Lieutenant-Colonel Orce Jordev, who will manage the dynamics of its activities, said that “Adriatic Eagle-08” in Macedonia, following the same exercises in Albania (2006) and Croatia (2007), was a sublimation of the knowledge and experiences gained at previous exercises.
Participants said that the cooperation among Macedonia, Croatia and Albania – the A3 countries that began building their North Atlantic future with the US-backed 2003 Tirana Agreement – was an example of true partnership, praised by NATO.
“Adriatic Eagle-08” will focus on techniques and procedures in operations at a combined repelling tower, situational shooting from a shooting house, passing decisions by the joint headquarters etc.
U.S. Army training sites, which were donated this week to the Macedonian Army (ARM) Special Operations Regiment, will be mainly used for the exercise.