Ukraine To Retain 50 Troops In Iraq After Withdrawal

1 December 2005 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has decided that his country will retain a 50-member military contingent in Iraq after it withdraws the bulk of its armed forces.

Ukrainian media today quoted a presidential decree as saying Yushchenko made the decision "because Ukraine has certain obligations as a member of the United Nations and because the development of a long-term cooperation with Iraq meets [its] national interests."

Ukraine is due to complete its military withdrawal from Iraq by December 30.

Ukraine's 1,600 troops have been serving under Polish command in an area located some 120 kilometers southeast of Baghdad.

(Ukraynski Novyny/ICTV)