KYIV. Feb 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The Ukrainian army's 19th Independent Battalion for radiation, chemical, and biological cleanup is fully prepared to perform its duties if posted in the Gulf area, said Defense Minister Volodymyr Shkidchenko.
"The battalion is capable of gathering radiation, chemical, and biological intelligence, examine the situation both locally and on the move, and deactivating and de-gassing an area, hardware, personnel, and civilians," Shkidchenko told a news conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.
The battalion numbers over 500 servicemen and over 150 pieces of equipment, the minister said.
The unit is equipped with Soviet-made hardware, which fully meets modern standards, and Ukrainian-made machinery that has been highly appraised. The battalion also has a state-of-the-art local computer network linking all its units, and a comprehensive database, he said.
Foreign military attaches attended the battalion's exercise in December last year and confirmed that it meets all up-to-date requirements, Shkidchenko stressed.
However, Ukraine can send the battalion to the Gulf or other Middle Eastern countries only in strict compliance with the Ukrainian constitution and law.
The minister recalled that a nation of the region should invite a Ukrainian military unit for providing assistance first. The issue must be considered and approved by the Ukrainian parliament. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces should train and equip the unit properly. Ukraine has not received invitations of this kind from a Gulf or Middle Eastern nation yet.
The Ukrainian National Defense and Security Council decided on February 20 that the battalion for radiation, chemical and biological cleanup will be sent to the Gulf area for reinforcing protection of residents of the Gulf area and the Middle East. The Ukrainian president is to sign a decree to this effect, but it is up to the parliament to make the final decision.