Multinational Naval Exercises Open In Black Sea

Anti-NATO protests in the Crimean port of Feodosiya last year (RFE/RL) July 9, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- What's been described as the largest-ever multinational naval exercises in the Black Sea have begun near Odesa, Ukraine, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service reported.

During the next two weeks, Sea Breeze 2007 will involve sea and land forces from 13 nations -- including the United States, other NATO members, Ukraine, and countries in the Caucasus.

Last year's exercises were cancelled amid demonstrations by pro-Russian and anti-NATO groups.

(with material from Interfax)