Jordanian- American military maneuvers start in Aqaba
Jordan-USA, Military, 8/13/2002

Jordanian and American forces have started joint maneuvers on Monday immediately following the arrival of the American forces in Aqaba port, according to a Jordanian official who stressed Jordan's care to stress that there is no connection between these maneuvers to a likely American attack against Iraq.

Meantime, a spokesman for the American defense department said these maneuvers are planned for since 1997 and are being held apart from "any other developments taking place in the region." The number of the American troopers taking part in the maneuvers is estimated at 4000. The maneuvers will continue for three weeks and include "various types of military exercises with the Jordanian army," the Jordanian official added. He indicated that these maneuvers "were decided more than one year ago and fall in the course of regular exercises between the two armies."

The Jordanian official said that the American talk on a likely attack against Iraq "does not mean that the set training policy since years on joint exercises with a friendly or a brotherly country will change." The Jordanian official also indicated Jordan's care to continue "this policy so as to acquire advanced fighting skills and an experience in ways of armament." Jordan has repeatedly denied that the existence of American military men or experts on its territories have links to the American plans relating to Iraq after several press reports talked about an American- Jordanian agreement to use the Jordanian military bases as a launching point for the American forces in case of a strike is launched against to Iraq.

Moreover, Jordanian military officials earlier announced that the maneuvers with the American army will be held near the Jordanian- Iraqi borders.

The joint maneuvers will be held along the desert to the south of Jordan, said the Jordanian minister of information Muhammad al-Edwan, who stressed that the American forces will leave Jordan in conclusion of the maneuvers.

The Jordanian army which mainly relies on the US in the field of armament and developments is linked mainly to prior programmed agreements with several countries especially with France, Britain, Turkey, Italy, the UAE, Oman and Bahrain.

Previous Stories:
  Jordanian Labor front calls for the elections, Muasher says striking Iraq   (8/12/2002)
  Jordan denies show of support for Iraq, the Palestinians   (8/8/2002)
  Al-Rai: Washington denies resuming al-Aqaba inspection   (8/6/2002)
  Al-Rai: Jordan worried of US inspecting ships anchored in Aqaba   (7/29/2002)
  Jordanian- American maneuvers in al- Aqaba   (7/19/2002)
  Commander of the US navy visits Amman   (11/7/2000)

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