EGYPT CONDUCTS MAJOR EXERCISE IN SINAI

CAIRO [MENL] -- Egypt has concluded what officials termed a major military
exercise in the Sinai Peninsula.

Officials said the 10-day exercise was conducted by the Third Army in the
southern part of the peninsula. The exercise was meant to determine combat
skills as well as the integration of new weaponry and systems for Egypt's
ground forces.

The exercise, dubbed "A'asar-2002," was attended by Defense Minister Hussein
Tantawi as well as senior military commanders and parliamentarians. This was
the second exercise in the Sinai peninsula over the last three months and
comes amid heightened tension in the region.

Tantawi said Egypt requires a powerful military to safeguard the country and
regional peace. He said the military is focusing on improving manpower
capabilities as well as the operation of modern defense systems.
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