MOSCOW, April 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will oversee a month-long exercise of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (Blackseafor), a Black Sea Fleet official said Monday.

Formally established on Turkey's initiative in 2001, Blackseafor - which comprises Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Georgia and Russia - conducts search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring, and organizes goodwill visits among Black Sea countries. Its charter says Blackseafor can also be deployed for peacekeeping operations under a UN or OSCE mandate.

"During the maneuvers, the ships of the [Blackseafor] task force will practice tactical interoperability, naval engagements, air defense and communications," Andrei Krylov said, adding that the exercise will focus on antiterrorism operations.

A large amphibious landing ship from Russia's Black Sea Fleet and several surface ships from Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Romania will participate in the exercise, which will last until April 29.

The ships will visit the Russian naval base at Novorossiisk and other ports on the Black Sea.

Russia's Navy took over command of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group from Romania in August 2006.