Other events in Baltic States

On Friday, "Open Spirit 2010" international mine clearance exercise starts in the exclusive economic zone and territorial waters of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea. It is going to be the most extensive naval mine clearance exercise since 2008, the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania says in its press release.

The exercise will be conducted until September 8.

Sixteen warships and three diving teams from ten countries will be involved in the exercise organised by the Lithuanian Naval Force: Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Norway, France, Russia, Finland and Germany. Lithuania will be represented by three ships – mine sweeper M52 Suduvis and patrol ships P11 Zemaitis and P14 Aukstaitis, informs LETA?ELTA.

Objective of "Open Spirit 2010" is to reduce the threat caused to safe navigation by naval mines and other unexploded ammunition remaining on the Baltic seafloor from WWI and WWII. The event also boosts trust and cooperation among participating countries, and improves skills of participating ship crews, staff officers and leadership.

During the exercise phase ashore, August 27-29, commanders of participating ships and representatives of the exercise command are expected to meet with authorities of Klaipeda Municipality, and participate in tribute ceremonies for fallen German, Russian and French soldiers at the military cemetery. Ship crews are expected to meet for a sports match.

On August 28-29, from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m., mine hunters and sweepers participating in the exercise will be open for public visiting at the Cruiser and Warship Terminal of Klaipeda.

On September 7, the day of guests and media is planned to present the progress and results of the mine clearance operation.

The first international mine clearance operation of such scope in Territorial waters and exclusive economic zone was held in May 2008. 420 sq. m of seabed was searched during MCOPLIT 08, tens of explosives were found and neutralized, two shipwrecks were detected and marked in naval charts.