Ukraine: Ban ‘Deeply Concerned’ Crimea Vote Will Worsen Complex, Tense Situation
New York, Mar 17 2014 - Leading the United Nations push for parties in Ukraine to resolve the country’s ongoing
political crisis through peaceful dialogue, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he is “deeply concerned and
disappointed” that this weekend’s Crimea secession referendum will only exacerbate an “already complex and tense
situation.”
“The Secretary-General continues to closely follow the situation in Ukraine,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters in New York, adding that since the beginning of the crisis, the UN chief has urged all parties to avoid “hasty steps” that could
exacerbate tensions.
“He encourages all parties to work for a solution that is guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter,
including respecting Ukraine’s unity and sovereignty,” said Mr. Dujarric.
The statement comes in the wake of an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday, at which the 15-nation body
was blocked from adopting a resolution urging the international community to affirm Ukraine’s national borders and
declare the referendum in Crimea invalid, owing to a “no” vote from Russia, a permanent member. China – who is also a
permanent member, along with France, United Kingdom and the United States – abstained in the vote.
Media reports suggest that voters in Crimea overwhelmingly supported leaving Ukraine and joining Russia.
The referendum caps months of political unrest, triggered by the Government's decision last November not to sign an
agreement on broader European integration. The Ukrainian capital, Kiev, erupted in violent demonstrations and street
clashes in late January, culminating with the removal by Parliament of President Viktor Yanukovych. Tensions mounted in
the Crimea region, where additional Russian troops and armoured vehicles were reportedly deployed.
In his statement today, the Secretary-General condemned the violence which occurred over the weekend in eastern Ukraine
and which resulted in injuries and loss of life on all sides.
“The Secretary-General once again urges all parties to refrain from violence and to commit themselves to de-escalation
and inclusive national dialogue in the pursuit of a political and diplomatic solution,” said Mr. Dujarric, adding: “A
deterioration of the situation will have serious repercussions for the people of Ukraine, the region and beyond.”
The UN chief also urged all parties in Ukraine and those with influence to avoid any steps that could further increase
tensions.
“Above all, the Secretary-General urges all concerned to intensify their efforts and engage constructively toward a
peaceful solution to this crisis, with the aspirations of all the people of Ukraine foremost in mind,” said Mr.
Dujarric, adding that Mr. Ban remains ready to work with all parties to resolve this situation.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS