Secretary-General, Encouraged by Diplomatic Talks on Ukraine Crisis,

Calls for Continued Engagement, Good-Faith Efforts from All Sides

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the initial round of diplomatic negotiations on the crisis in Ukraine, held today in Geneva.  He is encouraged that all parties were able to agree on a number of concrete and urgent steps aimed at de-escalating the situation and finding a peaceful resolution to this crisis.  The Secretary-General has consistently underscored that constructive and results-oriented dialogue between all concerned will be the only way to achieve a peaceful solution.

The Secretary-General stresses that the situation in Ukraine remains extremely volatile.  He expects all sides, moving forward, to show their serious intention to continue to engage, in a good-faith effort, and to implement the steps laid out in the Geneva Statement, which will contribute to a lasting solution to this crisis.

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For information media • not an official record