FOR THE RECORD: U.S. statement on 2006 Sea Breeze maritime exercise

The following statement on Sea Breeze 2006 was released by the Embassy of the United States in Ukraine on July 19.

The maritime portion of Sea Breeze 2006 was to commence today, July 19, as planned. Naval forces from Ukraine, Georgia, Greece, Turkey and the United States were to participate in this scenario-based maritime exercise in the Black Sea.

World events changed these plans. The U.S. naval vessel that was to have participated in Exercise Sea Breeze, the USS Barry, has been sent to the Eastern Mediterranean to assist with the evacuation of civilians from Lebanon. Due to this new operational requirement, the United States is unable to participate in Sea Breeze 2006, and the U.S. and Ukraine have agreed to cancel this year's training exercise.

The U.S. remains committed to cooperation with Ukraine, and enhancing regional security cooperation and joint force capabilities in the Black Sea region. The U.S. looks forward to Sea Breeze 2007.

Sea Breeze exercises have been conducted in Ukraine since 1997. U.S. military personnel have operated in a number of joint exercises at the invitation of the Ukrainian government each year since then. These exercises benefit Ukraine's armed forces through training and improve cooperation and coordination between partner countries.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 23, 2006, No. 30, Vol. LXXIV

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