Global perspective Human stories

Ban ‘alarmed’ by outbreak of violence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefs the press.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefs the press.

Ban ‘alarmed’ by outbreak of violence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed alarm over the recent outbreak of violence in the city of Kumanovo in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and has extended his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed alarm over the recent outbreak of violence in the city of Kumanovo in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and extended his condolences to the families of those killed and injured.

“He strongly supports the calls by the European Union and other members of the international community urging the state authorities and all political and community leaders to cooperate to restore calm and to fully investigate the events in an objective and transparent manner,” said a statement released from Mr. Ban's spokesman office.

“At this sensitive time, the Secretary-General calls on all actors to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any rhetoric and/or actions that may escalate tensions further,” the note added.

Mr. Ban also encouraged the country's authorities to address the concerns voiced by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 17 March 2015 and to reaffirm their commitment to fundamental human rights and the rule of law by fostering an environment in which opposing views can be expressed freely.