First Ukrainian peacekeepers to leave for Iraq Thursday

KIEV, Aug 5 (AFP) - The first contingent of Ukrainian troops in a stabilization force patrolling southern Iraq will leave on Thursday, the defense ministry said Tuesday.

After a farewell ceremony due to be attended by the former Soviet republic's prime and defense ministers, five planes are expected to fly 345 soldiers to a training camp in Kuwait near the Iraqi border, the ministry said in a statement.

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Ukraine has committed some 1,800 soldiers to the Polish-led stabilization force administering the southeastern zone between Basra and Baghdad, Interfax reported.

The Ukrainians will patrol roads, transport humanitarian cargo and survey the new Iraqi army's munitions shipments, the ministry has said.

Around 15 countries are set to take part in the 9,200-strong Polish-led force, which is due to be fully operational by September 1. US and British forces will lead stabilization forces in the two other military sectors of the country.

ant-yad/zak/txw

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