VIENNA, November 4 (RIA Novosti) — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called on the UN and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to combine efforts in order to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.
“We have a common responsibility to reduce tensions – and we have been working hand-in-hand,” Ban Ki-moon said during his address to the OSCE Permanent Council.
Ban Ki-moon also said that the UN mediation advisers are already providing support to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and stated that both organizations have experience in supporting elections, mediating national dialogues, assisting rule of law and security sector reform, advising juridical and constitutional reform processes, as well as designing economic and trade policies.
“Let us pool those strengths in the months ahead,” UN Secretary General added.
Ban Ki-moon also commended the OSCE for its early and active engagement in the situation in Ukraine, and for its prominent role on the ground.
In April, Kiev forces started a military operation against independence supporters in eastern Ukraine, who refused to recognize legitimacy of the new government that came to power after a February coup.
Following months of bloodshed, during which over 3,700 people were killed, the warring sides signed a ceasefire agreement on September 5.
