It described the 12-year project as the largest such disarmament effort in the world.

"Much of this material is stored in the open, posing a major security threat to local civilian population and infrastructure," the alliance said. "Safe destruction of these stocks also eliminates potential proliferation risks."

The announcement came three days before a visit to NATO headquarters by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, who is to attend a summit along with US President George W. Bush and other leaders of the 26-nation alliance.

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