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Ban calls on Ukrainians to find peaceful way forward amid current turmoil

A makeshift memorial to those killed and injured during recent demonstrations in Kiev, Ukraine. (February 2014).
UN
A makeshift memorial to those killed and injured during recent demonstrations in Kiev, Ukraine. (February 2014).

Ban calls on Ukrainians to find peaceful way forward amid current turmoil

Amid the rapidly unfolding events in Ukraine, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for an inclusive political process to enable the country to emerge from its current crisis, one which reflects the aspirations of its people and preserves its unity and territorial integrity.

“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,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“He has remained in continual contact with key actors on how to support a peaceful way forward for Ukraine at this time of transformation.”

On Saturday, Members of the Parliament of Ukraine – which has been witnessing mass protests since last November – voted to remove President Viktor Yanukovych, and an arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for his arrest. The move comes after more than 100 people were killed last week in the latest wave of deadly clashes in the capital, Kiev.

Mr. Ban called for an inclusive political process that reflects the aspirations of all Ukrainians and preserves Ukraine’s unity and territorial integrity, said his spokesperson.

“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.”

The spokesperson added that, to assure Ukrainians of the support of the UN and the wider international community, Mr. Ban has sent his senior advisor, Robert Serry, to the country.

“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.