Mission Possible

Ukraine’s leadership has taken every possible measure to ensure the high effectiveness of Ukrainian peacekeeping mission in Iraq, stated Deputy Chairman of Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Zinchenko. At his meeting with journalists last Wednesday in Warsaw he cited Defense Minister Yevhen Marchuk’s recent visit to Iraq as an indication: “This was not an inspection but a visit, during which the issues of cooperation with all peacekeeping contingents and in particular the Polish one were dealt with. Ukrainian society is aware that the military contingent is taking part in a peacekeeping mission of reconstructive, rather than aggressive or destructive character... Taking part in the reconstruction of a postwar country is the most important justification of their work. For them, this is not a parade but complicated work,” he said speaking about the peacekeepers’ morale. In Mr. Zinchenko’s words, it is important that the peacekeeping forces “create a peaceful life not with iron boots but considering the country’s special features and religious preferences,” reports Interfax Ukraine. Answering journalists’ question on how the Ukrainian peacekeepers interact with the Polish command, the vice speaker opined that the priorities are “efficient cooperation on the level of technical means of communication, transport, and rear services, while carrying out all required actions and responsibilities.”