Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryshchenko discussed the issues of Ukraine’s participation in rebuilding Iraq, humanitarian aids to this country, and diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Baghdad with Director of the Iraq Provisional Civil Administration Paul Bremer. According to head of the Foreign Ministry’s press service Markiyan Lubkivsky, Mr. Bremer appreciated Ukraine’s will and intention to participate in Iraq’s reconstruction. The parts discussed the possibility of involving the Ukrainian side to restoring the Al-Kut Airport. Minister Hryshchenko stated Ukraine’s preparedness to render humanitarian aid to Iraq is in conformity with President Leonid Kuchma’s directive. The aids envisages, in part, supplying medicines, hygienic means, and children’s goods. The humanitarian cargo is slated to be delivered to the Ukrainian contingent in Iraq, which will distribute it among the population within its zone of responsibility, Wasit province. Messrs. Hryshchenko and Bremer discussed in details the possibilities for Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in Iraq. The accent was on the need to create safe conditions for Ukrainian diplomats’ work. In their view, the presence of Ukrainian diplomats in Baghdad would promote renewing contacts with representatives of the new Iraqi authorities and involving Ukraine in the reconstruction process. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister suggested considering the possibility that Ukraine offer assistance in preparing and training law enforcement regiments, taking into account Ukraine’s considerable experience gained in the Balkans. In Minister Hryshchenko’s words, Ukraine could give substantial assistance in mine sweeping in Iraq’s territory. Mr. Bremer shared his views on further developments in Iraq and expressed his satisfaction with Ukraine’s participation in international efforts aimed at stabilizing the country. Simultaneously, he praised highly the Ukrainian peacemaking contingent’s performance, stressing its high degree of professionalism.
