Ukraine: as Kiev protests build, UN chief calls for calm, urges ‘meaningful dialogue’

Amid ongoing political protests in Ukraine, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today appealed for restraint and urged all sides to avoid further violence and uphold the democratic principles of free expression and peaceful assembly.

“The Secretary-General has been closely following events in Ukraine,” said a statement issued by a spokesperson for the United Nations chief.

“He appeals to all parties to act with restraint, avoid any further violence and to uphold the democratic principles of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

According to media reports, tensions are on the rise in and around the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, with thousands of demonstrators marching on municipal buildings in protests sparked by an earlier Government decision not to sign an agreement on broader integration with the European Union.

“The Secretary-General encourages meaningful dialogue between all concerned, in the pursuit of a prosperous future for Ukraine and mutual agreement among Ukrainians on the path forward for the country,” the spokesperson’s statement said.