Secretary-General Reiterates Call against Violence in Ukraine, Urging Citizens

to Express Differences through Peaceful Dialogue

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General continues to closely follow the rapidly unfolding events in Ukraine.  He has remained in continual contact with key actors on how to support a peaceful way forward for Ukraine at this time of transformation.

He reiterates his call for non-violence and urges all Ukrainians to express their differences peacefully and through dialogue, and to seek a durable solution through compromise.

The Secretary-General, above all, calls for an inclusive political process that reflects the aspirations of all Ukrainians and preserves Ukraine’s unity and territorial integrity.  In order to bring about a stable and prosperous future for Ukraine, the Secretary-General calls for a firm commitment, by all concerned to uphold the key principles of democracy and human rights, and thereby create a conducive environment for free and fair elections.

To assure Ukrainians of the support of the United Nations and the wider international community, the Secretary-General has sent his senior adviser Mr. Robert Serry to Ukraine.  The Secretary-General expects all key international actors to work collaboratively to help Ukrainians at this challenging time in their country’s history.

In his meeting with the new Speaker of the Parliament, Oleksander Turchinov, Mr. Serry conveyed the Secretary-General’s solidarity with all Ukrainians and his commitment to assist a Ukrainian-led inclusive governance process.

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For information media • not an official record