KYIV. June 18 (Intrefax-AVN) - Ukraine wants to work with NATO and to become a NATO member, Ukrainian Defense Minister Volodymyr Shkidchenko said during a meeting with General Richard Myers, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Myers is currently visiting Kyiv.
"We intend to pursue fruitful cooperation with NATO and want to enter this organization. We thank the U.S. specialists for their assistance in the defense overview of the Combined Rapid Reaction Force and hope similar assistance will be provided in the future," Shkidchenko told Myers.
The two military officials paid special attention to the training of the Ukrainian peacekeeping contingent for the accomplishment of missions within the international stabilization and security force in Iraq. "In particular, the Ukrainian defense minister briefed General Myers on the progress in the training of personnel of the 5th Ukrainian detached mechanized brigade that may take part in launching the peaceful settlement process in Iraq," the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a report.
Shkidchenko thanked Myers for excellent arrangement of maintenance of the 19th Ukrainian WMD protection battalion that is accomplishing a humanitarian mission in Kuwait and for settlement of all problems related to the battalion's activity.
Myers gave high marks to the work done by the Ukrainian peacekeepers. "The use of experienced peacekeepers to maintain stability and security in Iraq is a wonderful step towards strengthening Ukraine's authority not only in the Persian Gulf area and the Middle East, but also in the entire world," the press service quoted Myers as saying.
Shkidchenko stressed that his ministry "is firmly progressing on the path of reforms, in particular, towards the transition to a civilian defense ministry and dramatic reduction of the Ukrainian Armed Forces."
Rounding up the meeting, Myers noted that the U.S. is ready to support all Ukrainian initiatives. According to the press service, Myers also met with Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief-of- Staff Anatoliy Zatynaiko while staying in Kyiv.