UNITED NATIONS
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday expressed his “disappointment and concern” over the political and military situation in the Crimea.
Describing the situation in the Ukraine as very complex, he said the UN did not want to comment on the issue of sanctions on Russia, called for by the White House and the European Union.
The secretary general said he “remains ready to work with all parties to resolve this situation.”
Asked repeatedly by reporters to clarify the UN’s position on the Crimean referendum, the secretary general declined to do so, instead calling for all “to avoid hasty steps.”His spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Ban was deeply concerned that Sunday’s internal referendum in Crimea will only serve to “exacerbate this situation.”
Yet an apparent firmer position puts the UN Secretary General more in line with those Western countries that have condemned the Crimean referendum as illegal, even as he continues to pursue a political and diplomatic solution for Ukraine.
In the interim, Ban expressed concern over the weekend’s fatal violence in Eastern Ukraine.
Ban appealed Monday to all parties to work “for a solution” based on the United Nations Charter, which requires peaceful settlement of disputes.
Ban asked those in charge and “those with influence” to commit themselves to de-escalation and “inclusive national dialogue.”
He again reaffirmed his position on Ukraine's unity and sovereignty – and called for its respect.
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