Kiev allows foreign military exercises in Ukraine

Ukrainian parliament on Thursday approved a special presidential decree permitting foreign troops to participate in joint military drills in Ukraine, the parliaments\' press service said.The motion was supported by 342 lawmakers in the 450-member assembly, with at least 226 votes required.Foreign troops from Russia, Belarus, the United States and other countries will be allowed to take part in exercises on Ukraine\'s territory.In particular, the Sea Breeze, the Rapid Trident and the Fairway of Peace military drills will he held in Ukraine this year.Funding for these exercises will be allocated from the Ukrainian budget and from the budgets of the states-participants.Foreign servicemen may participate in military exercises on Ukrainian territory under a special presidential decree, as the ex- Soviet country\'s legislation prohibits the presence of any foreign troops or bases on its territory.