SAHARA PRESS SERVICE

Mijek (liberated territories) 15/03/04 (SPS) The Saharawi Popular Liberation Army (ALPS) proceeded Today, in Mijek (400Km south-east of El Aaiun), to military manoeuvres to which armoured units, heavy artillery, DCA (anti-airplanes defence) and mechanised infantry took part, has noted SPS.

In the presence of the High Commander of ALPS, President Mohamed Abdelaziz, five tactical groups simulated an attack on a fictitious enemy, supposed to be taking shelter behind a sand wall filled with mines and barbed wire.

''It is the first manoeuvre we undertake since the beginning of this year'' declared to SPS the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Lamine El Bouhali, accompanied with his staff, who also have participated to this tactical plan, which has been elaborated by the 3rd military region's commander, Hamma Salama.

''Besides the improvement of the level of commanding officers and the improvement of the professionalism of assistant-officers and soldiers, Mijek's manoeuvres come within the framework of the ministry of defence's annual programme'', he emphasised.

Witnessed by many members of the National Secretariat, Government and Parliament, the manoeuvres were also attended by an important presence of Saharawi community in Mauritania, the latter having organised a conference in margin of the military activities.

The ALPS, having had defeated on the ground one of the biggest and most operational African armies, Royal Armed Forces, continues to prepare itself to return to war if the UN's diplomatic efforts comes to failure. (SPS)

010/MJK/000/TRD 152025 Mar 04 SPS