KIEV, March 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Ukraine will withdraw its 1,600-strong military contingent serving with multinational peacekeeping troops in Iraq from this month to mid-October, President Viktor Yushchenko said Tuesday.

    Headed by Yushchenko, the National Security and Defense Councilmade the decision on Tuesday. The pullout will be divided into three stages which will begin on March 15 and be completed by Oct.15.

    About 150 soldiers will leave Iraq in the first group, the second batch will have about 590 soldiers and the third the remainder, the president said.

    Ukraine is the fourth largest troop contributor to the US-led coalition, with troops serving under Polish command in southern Iraq. So far 18 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in Iraq.

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