Concerned by Situation in Eastern Ukraine, Secretary-General Calls

For Release of Monitors, End to Hostilities

 

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

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned over the situation in eastern Ukraine, but he welcomes recent measures toward de-escalation of hostilities, including consultations among all sides and the extension of the reciprocal ceasefire for a further period of three days.  The Secretary-General expects all sides to strictly adhere to their commitments and urges concerned parties to work towards a definitive cessation of violence through a political process.

The Secretary-General also welcomes the release of four international OSCE [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe] monitors on 26 June.  He calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the four monitors still held in captivity.

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For information media • not an official record