August 17, 2008	Sunday	Sha'aban 14, 1429

KIEV, Aug 16: Ukraine is prepared to open its missile defence network to cooperation with European and other foreign powers, the ex-Soviet republic’s foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry said that the demise of a bilateral Russian-Ukrainian defence agreement earlier this year “allows Ukraine to establish active cooperation with European countries.” The offer came amid tensions between Kiev and Moscow over Russia’s invasion of parts of neighbouring Georgia, a close ally of Ukraine that also borders Russia.

The offer also followed Poland’s finalising of an agreement to host elements of a US missile defence shield which Moscow describes as a threat to its national security.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry said Kiev could invite European partners to integrate their early warning systems against missile attacks.—AFP