PABRADĖ, June 20, 2011 – Observers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine came to observe Exercise Amber Hope from June 15 to 22 at the Pabradė Training Area.
Often we refer to military observers as those monitoring the various agreements on cease-fires, patrolling both sides of the conflict, helping resolve local difficulties or investigating allegations of aggression. No need to worry, these observers are friendly forces coming to learn and experience the warmth of Lithuania and the professionalism of its soldiers.
"This is a multinational structure and they are working very well together," says Colonel Artak Tonoyan from the Armenian Armed Forces. "They can demonstrate their ability and readiness of how to react in different situations. It is very impressive and very well organized."
It is a unique experience for any soldier to take part in an international environment such as Exercise Amber Hope. When it's not possible for a country to send troops, sending observers allow these countries to get a glimpse of the organization and of the lessons learned so they can use them to improve their own training when they return home.
"We are a Partner for Peace (PFP) country, and our country will be elevated by all those other experts as we have to be more inter operational to conduct peace operations overseas with others PFP countries," stated Captain Akilbay Kussainov from the Kazakhstan Armed Forces.
Exercise Amber Hope 2011 provides a great opportunity to strengthen relations with our partners and share common experiences. It provides an excellent opportunity for NATO and PFP countries to train together and prepare for future challenges.
Text and pictures by Capt Jean-François Lambert, PAO for the Canadian Forces
For more information about the Exercise:
http://kariuomene.kam.lt/en/ah11.html
www.facebook.com/GintarineViltis
The points of contact for Exercise Amber Hope 2011 are:
In the Pabradės Training Area – Capt Mindaugas Neimontas, Head of Media Operations Section, cell phone 00370 640 45 380, e-mail neimontas@gmail.com
In Klaipėda – Lt (N) Antanas Brencius, cell phone 00 370 698 181 96, e-mail antanas.brencius@mil.lt
