STOCKHOLM, June 8 (Xinhuanet) -- US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld signed an agreement Wednesday reducing the number of Norwegian air bases where the United States stores military equipment from five to two, Norwegian Broadcasting reported.

    The agreement was signed in Jatta, home of NATO's Joint Warfare Center and Norway's joint military headquarters south of Stavanger,Norway.

    The deal, which US officials say is part of the Pentagon's overall plan to revamp its web of overseas bases, also allows for changes to the stocks of weapons and other gear stored in Norway for the US Marine Corps.

    The Marines' equipment will be adjusted so it can be used in such missions as humanitarian relief and recovery from a terrorist attack.

    Norwegian Defense Minister Kristin Krohn Devold has said the military stocks will continue to be available to defend Norway despite the changes.

    The Pentagon began storing equipment in Norway during the Cold War, when Norway's position bordering the Soviet Union made it a key ally. Back then, plans called for the equipment to be used in case of a Soviet invasion of Norway.

    The Marine equipment had been designed to supply a heavy infantry brigade with about 13,000 Marines for up to 30 days. Thatwill be adjusted to allow for extra flexibility, but still will be available for use to defend Norway or in NATO missions.

    Rumsfeld and Devold also are likely to discuss Norway's contribution of forces to the US-led coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Enditem