Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Due to recent events in the sub-region, it has become necessary to postpone Exercise BLUE CRANE, which was scheduled to be held at the SA Army Battle School next month, to a yet undetermined date next year. This exercise, a multi-national peacekeeping exercise held under the auspices of the Interstate Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC) of SADC and involving 13 countries in the sub-region, was scheduled for 3-21 November 1998.
Current commitments in the sub-region have necessitated a review of the practicality of conducting Exercise BLUE CRANE in November as scheduled. New dates will be discussed during a Ministers' meeting of the ISDSC early in November 1998. The reasons for this reconsideration are that with the current operational commitments in the region, it will not be possible to give this important capacity building exercise the undivided attention it deserves.
The South African Government wishes to thank the donor countries who have enthusiastically supported this exercise. The SADC region is committed to building capacity in the field of peacekeeping in a professional manner in partnership with the international community and it is hoped that the donor countries will continue supporting this initiative. It is the intention to continue with the training of commanders at the Zimbabwe Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre from 12-23 October 1998, as well with the seminars and training of civilians and civilian police as planned.
ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PRETORIA
12 OCTOBER 1998
Enquiries: Col Puso Tladi (SANDF) / 083 628 0858 Mr Marco Boni (DFA) Tel: 351 0174 Fax: 083 443 7740