Ukraine cancels joint navy exercises with US

Joint Ukrainian-US military exercises planned for next month have been cancelled, a Ukrainian naval spokesman told AFP Monday.

"The maneuvres have been cancelled because of parliament's position," said Yuri Kirik, who said the deadline for parliamentary authorization "has expired".

The US embassy in Kiev made no comment when contacted by AFP.

The Sea Breeze 2009 exercises, planned for the Black Sea between July 13 and 26, were meant to simulate anti-piracy action. But the Ukrainian parliament did not bring forward legislation authorizing overseas troop deployment on its territory.

Exercises planned in 2006 were annulled after pro-Russian demonstrations in the country.

US Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Ukraine and Georgia between July 20 and 24, to express support for democratic and economic reforms in both nations, the White House said earlier Monday.