23 Nations Take Part In Military Exercise In Nepal

Soldiers from 23 nations began military exercises in Nepal to train for UN peacekeeping missions in areas hit by conflicts. The Nepalese army said the two-week exercises organized by Nepal and the United States will promote regional security and enhance peacekeeping capabilities. Altogether, 871 soldiers are participating from countries including Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, Jordan, Philippines, South Korea and Thailand. They will train in skills used for peacekeeping operations such as patrolling, checkpoint controls and convoy operations. The exercises that started Monday are scheduled to end on April 7.—AP