Russian Baltic fleet to participate in NATO exercises

The Russian Baltic fleet is planning to take part in NATO military exercises BALTOPS-2001, acting commander of the Baltic fleet, Vice-Adm Vladimir Valuyev, told the 'Strazh Baltiki'' newspaper on Thursday. -It has been confirmed that the fleet will be taking part in NATO military exercises BALTOPS. Shortly, it will be decided on the level of this participation, Valuyev said and added that ships of the Russian fleet would visit some foreign ports, including those of NATO countries. -When the plan of international activities has been confirmed, commanders of formations and ships will be getting ready for visits to foreign countries. This will be conducive to developing brotherly relations, he said. Ships of the Baltic Fleet took part in NATO BALTOPS exercises held in line with Partnership for Peace programme in 1993-1997. However, the cooperation came to an end in 1998. In 1999 Russia broke off its relations with NATO because of the events in Yugoslavia. The relations are being gradually restored at present.