NEW YORK, September 5 (RIA Novosti) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday.
“The Secretary General welcomes the positive news that today’s consultations between the Contact Group and representatives of armed groups have resulted in the agreement of a cease-fire,” he said.
“The cessation of hostilities will further allow the UN and other humanitarian actors of the international community to deliver critical humanitarian assistance and other needed support to the impacted areas,” the spokesman added.
Ban Ki-moon “also welcomes the recent discussions between the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia have played a part in today’s breakthrough and strongly encourages those contacts to continue,” according to the official UN statement.
“The Secretary-General stresses that credible and comprehensive monitoring and verification are essential elements for successful implementation of the cease-fire and the peace plan. He encourages all who committed to the agreement to display good will and take concrete steps towards urgent, full and effective implementation,” the UN said.
Ban concluded by reiterating “that there is no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine. He strongly asserts that it is time to end this destructive conflict once and for all, to stop the bloodshed and to start rebuilding communities and livelihoods in a safe, stable and sovereign Ukraine. He offers the full support of the UN to efforts in this direction as appropriate and requested by the parties,” according to the statement.
On Friday, members of the Contact Group on Ukrainian reconciliation had a meeting in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, during which they agreed on a ceasefire, exchange of prisoners and humanitarian aid. The ceasefire agreement came into force at 6 p.m. local time (15:00 GMT).
