Oil-Spill Cooperation

(November 9, 1999)

Cyprus, Egypt and Israel are holding a joint exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, as part of their program for cooperation in the event of large-scale oil spills. This is the third such joint exercise; earlier drills were held at Larnaca and Port Said. The scenario will be prepared by the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Center for the Mediterranean Sea to simulate a major pollution event in Haifa Bay, and will include the spraying of dispersants by aircraft and ships, protective actions, and beach cleaning. The exercise will test Israel's preparations for dealing with marine pollution and command-and-control systems, and will also examine the cooperation and assistance to be rendered by Egypt and Cyprus.

Source: Israeli Government Press Office