Israeli - Turkish maneuvers on the 29th of the coming November

Diplomatic sources stated yesterday that Turkey, Israel, and the US agreed on conducting joint naval maneuvers during the period from November 29 - December 3 under the title 'The Mermaid, The Rescue 2'.

The source stated Jordan's position is not finally determined concerning participation as an observer in the maneuvers.

The Mediterranean maneuvers will start from Antolia harbor in southern Turkey, and a large number of naval ships, airplanes and soldiers will participate.

US Pentagon deputy spokesman Mike Doubleday on Tuesday refused to confirm a date for the exercises, but indicated that it would be similar to a humanitarian exercise held earlier this year, saying, "That was what the last one was, and my guess is that that's what's in mind this time. It was a search and rescue, kind of a humanitarian exercise."

It is expected that the naval operations will be linked with land exercises.