US Asks Kiev to Send Anti-Chemical Weapons Battalions to Iraq

Washington has asked Kiev to consider sending its anti-chemical and nuclear warfare units to Iraq. This was revealed today at a press conference in Kiev by US Ambassador Carlos Pascual. He said that the US government has already written to Ukraine with such a request and a reply should be received within a week.

Representatives of the US State Department said that the Ukrainian forces would not be taking part directly in the military action in the Persian Gulf, but their experience might come in handy if Baghdad used chemical weapons. Kiev had earlier signalled its willingness to assist the US in its war with Iraq.