Jordan categorically denies participation in tripartite maneuvers

Jordanian Minister of Information Saleh al-Qallab has asserted his country's backing for the Syrian position towards the Middle East peace process.

In a statement to the BBC on Wednesday, al-Qallab denied any intention in his country to take part in the US, Turkish and Israeli joint maneuvers which will be taking place later this month.

The Jordanian minister stressed that this issue is not listed on the meeting's agenda and was not discussed with US Defense Secretary William Cohen during his visit on Tuesday to Amman. The Jordanian minister stressed his country's categorical rejection of such maneuvers in case they are aimed at pressuring any Arab state.

On Wednesday, the Turkish Army's chief of staff announced that the Turkish armed forces will carry out naval exercises called the east-Mediterranean 2000 on April 12 through 22 in the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The written statement released by the Turkish Army's command said this naval exercise aims at improving cooperation and training among the Turkish naval forces and NATO naval forces.

The statement said the maneuvers will start with gunships under the leadership of Turkish Admiral Matin Atshan leaving on April 12 from the Turkish port of Azmir which overlooks the Aegean Sea.

The statement indicated that 2,000 frigates, supply boats from the Turkish naval forces, and troops from NATO which are permanently stationed in the Mediterranean will take part. Also taking part are the USA, France, Italy, and Spain.

The forces participating in the maneuvers will visit the Turkish ports in Antalya, Marmaris and Iksaz in the course of maneuvers between April 18 and 21, on April 22, SANA reported.